Washington Cottage Food Law 2026
Last reviewed:
License Required
Limit: $35,000 / Year
⚠️ 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-custard, non-refrigerated)
- ✓Candies
- ✓Jams, jellies, preserves
- ✓Fruit butters (per 21 CFR Part 150)
- ✓Dry spice blends
- ✓Dry tea blends
- ✓Dry bread/soup/dip mixes
- ✓Flavored vinegars (commercial vinegar base)
Prohibited
- ✕Meat
- ✕Poultry
- ✕Seafood
- ✕Dairy/cheese
- ✕Low-acid canned foods
- ✕Custard pies
- ✕Fresh unbaked-fruit pies
- ✕Anything requiring refrigeration
- ✕Honey (not on the allowed list)
- ✕Nut butters (not on the allowed list)
- ✕Pickles and fermented foods
Labeling Protocols
01Business name
02WSDA permit number
03Product name
04Ingredients (descending by weight)
05Allergens
06Net weight
07Disclaimer (≥11-point, contrasting color): 'Made in a home kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria.'
FAQs
Do I need a permit in Washington?
Yes. WSDA issues a Cottage Food Operation Permit (RCW 69.22.030). It is valid for 2 years and requires an in-home WSDA inspection before issuance and at renewal.
What is the sales cap?
$35,000 in gross annual sales (RCW 69.22.050, as amended by HB 1500, 2023). Indexed for inflation every 4 years.
Can I ship my products?
No. Shipping, mail order, and courier delivery are prohibited — even within Washington. You may advertise and take orders online, but the buyer must take physical possession directly from you in Washington.
Is an inspection required?
Yes. WSDA inspects the home kitchen before initial permit issuance and again before each 2-year renewal.
Can I sell wholesale or to restaurants?
No. Direct-to-consumer sales only. Wholesale requires a separate WSDA Food Processor License.
What Comes Next
After You Verify Compliance: Your Next 4 Steps
Some links below are affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no cost to you. We only recommend services we'd suggest to a friend. Full disclosure.
- 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 Washington.
- 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 Washington
Complete Food Safety Training
Washington 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 Washington-specific labeling fields you'll need.
Official Sources
Verify current requirements directly with the state:
At a Glance
Permit Fee
$230
$230 for a 2-year permit cycle ($75 public health review + $125 initial inspection + $30 processing). $125 reinspection if initial fails. Some WSDA materials cite $355 when bundled with food-worker card or other licenses — confirm against the current WSDA fee schedule.
Renewal
Biennial (2 years)
Shipping