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Cottage food laws

Washington Cottage Food Law

Can you sell homemade food from your home kitchen in Washington? Here are the sales cap, allowed foods, where you can sell, and the point where you must move into a licensed commercial kitchen.
Educational summary, not legal advice — cottage food rules change; confirm with the state before you sell.
Program
Cottage Food Operation Permit
Annual sales cap
$35,000
Where you can sell
Direct/in-personFarmers marketsHome pickupRoadside stands
Registration / to start
Cottage Food Permit from WSDA ($355 application, valid 2 yrs) + inspection; food-worker card
Allowed foods
Non-TCS foods: baked goods, candies, jams/jellies/preserves, fruit butters, dry spice/tea blends, certain vinegars
Not allowed
Meat/poultry/fish, refrigerated bakery goods, beverages, cut fresh produce, certain sauces, pickled vegetables
When you need a commercial / commissary kitchen
Exceeding $35,000, selling TCS foods, or wholesale requires a licensed kitchen
Administered by
Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) · Wash. Rev. Code § 69.22; RCW 69.22.050

Source: Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). Cottage food laws change often — confirm current rules before selling.

Good to know

Washington newly imposed a $35,000 cap in 2025 (previously none). Permit ($355 / 2 yrs) and inspection required.

Outgrowing cottage food? When you need a licensed kitchen, see Washington food-business requirements, estimate the build with the cost-to-open calculator, and check whether you need a hood.

Frequently asked

Can I sell homemade food in Washington?
Yes. Washington has a cottage food framework (Cottage Food Operation Permit) that lets individuals make and sell certain non-hazardous foods from a home kitchen. Annual sales are capped at $35,000. You still must follow the state's rules on allowed foods, labeling, and where you can sell. Administered by Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).
What foods can I sell under Washington's cottage food law?
Non-TCS foods: baked goods, candies, jams/jellies/preserves, fruit butters, dry spice/tea blends, certain vinegars Not allowed: Meat/poultry/fish, refrigerated bakery goods, beverages, cut fresh produce, certain sauces, pickled vegetables
When do I need a commercial or commissary kitchen in Washington?
Exceeding $35,000, selling TCS foods, or wholesale requires a licensed kitchen At that point, see the requirements and permit fees for your area.
Do I need a license or registration for cottage food in Washington?
Cottage Food Permit from WSDA ($355 application, valid 2 yrs) + inspection; food-worker card
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