South Carolina Cottage Food Law 2026
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
CottageFoodLicense.com is an informational platform, not a law firm. The information provided by our AI Checker, templates, and guides does not constitute legal advice. Cottage food laws change frequently. You must verify all information with your local health department before selling products.
Allowed
- ✓Baked goods (non-TCS)
- ✓Candy
- ✓Jams and jellies (high-acid, standard recipe)
- ✓Dried goods and herbs
Prohibited
- ✕Meat/poultry
- ✕Seafood
- ✕Dairy
- ✕Cream-filled baked goods
- ✕Cheesecake/custards
- ✕Low-acid canned goods
- ✕Pickles/fermented foods
- ✕Any TCS food
Labeling Protocols
01Producer name + home address OR SCDA-issued ID number
02Common product name
03Ingredients in descending order by weight
04Net weight/volume
05Major food allergen statement
06Statement (ALL CAPS, contrasting color): 'NOT FOR RESALE PROCESSED AND PREPARED BY A HOME-BASED FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO SOUTH CAROLINA'S FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS.'
FAQs
Which agency regulates cottage food in South Carolina?
The SC Department of Agriculture (SCDA), Consumer Protection Division. Food-safety duties transferred from DHEC to SCDA on July 1, 2024 (Act 60, 2023), and the statute was recodified at SC Code § 46-57-20 (Title 46, Chapter 57).
Do I need a permit or registration?
No. South Carolina requires no permit, license, registration, certification, or inspection for home-based food production. An optional free SCDA ID number is available for label privacy.
Is there a sales cap?
No. The original $15,000 cap was removed by S.506 in 2022. There is no longer any revenue limit on home-based food sales.
Can I sell online or ship within South Carolina?
Yes. Since the 2022 amendments, online and mail-order direct-to-consumer sales are allowed, with delivery only to addresses within South Carolina.
Can I sell wholesale to grocery stores or restaurants?
Yes — South Carolina is one of the few states that allows wholesale to retailers under its cottage food law, provided products remain properly labeled.
What Comes Next
After You Verify Compliance: Your Next 4 Steps
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- 01
Liability Shield
Form an LLC
Separating your personal finances from your cottage food business protects your home and savings if a customer ever brings a claim. Both providers below file in all 50 states and handle registered agent service for South Carolina.
- 02
Protect Your Kitchen
Get Product Liability Insurance
A single allergy incident or contamination claim can erase years of profit. FLIP (Food Liability Insurance Program) is built specifically for cottage food operators — flat-rate annual policies with farmers market and online sales coverage included.
- 03
Recommended in South Carolina
Complete Food Safety Training
South Carolina does not mandate food safety training, but completing one builds buyer trust and protects you if a labeling or handling question ever arises. Learn2Serve's online course takes a few hours.
- 04
Production Ready
Set Up Your Kitchen and Labels
The right thermometers, storage containers, scale, and label printer turn a home kitchen into a compliant production space. Our Week 11 equipment guide walks through what we use and the South Carolina-specific labeling fields you'll need.
Official Sources
Verify current requirements directly with the state:
At a Glance
Permit Fee
$0
No fee. No permit, license, registration, or inspection required. An optional free SCDA-issued ID number is available for operators who prefer not to print their home address on labels (email homebasedfoods@scda.sc.gov).
Renewal
N/A
Shipping