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Washington State Guide

Washington Cottage Food Law 2026: Permit, Inspection, and Label Rules

Washington home bakers operate under one of the more structured cottage food frameworks in the country — a $355 permit from WSDA, a mandatory kitchen inspection, a $35,000 annual sales cap, and a required disclaimer on every label. The permit process takes 6–8 weeks, so plan ahead before your first batch sale.

Cottage Food Law Overview

Quick Facts

Annual Sales LimitFavorable
$35,000
Home Kitchen AllowedFavorable
Yes
Inspection RequiredRequirement
Yes — WSDA inspects kitchen before permit is issued
Food Handler CardRequirement
Food worker card required for the permit holder and authorized processors
Online SalesFavorable
Limited
Registration FeeRequirement
$355 nonrefundable (2-year permit)

Where You Can Sell

  • Permitted sales channel: Home Pickup
  • Permitted sales channel: Farmers Markets
  • Permitted sales channel: Events & Fairs
  • Permitted sales channel: In-state only
  • Not permitted sales channel: Interstate Sales

If you are a home baker in the Evergreen State looking to turn your signature sourdough or custom cookie boxes into a business, you are operating under one of the most structured cottage food programs in the country. Unlike many states that let you start selling immediately, Washington requires a formal permit process with a mandatory kitchen inspection before your first sale.

The good news? As of late 2023, Washington has made it easier to scale — the annual sales cap was raised to $35,000 and permits now last two years instead of requiring annual renewal. Whether you are planning a weekly porch pickup, a farmers market booth, or a weekend bread drop, the framework is clear once you understand it.

The sections below walk you through exactly what the law requires, what it allows, and what to do before you submit your application.


Yes. Cottage food production is legal in Washington under Chapter 69.22 RCW (Cottage Food Operations) and Chapter 16-149 WAC (Cottage Foods). These statutes define who qualifies, what products can be produced, and the labeling and permitting requirements that make cottage food sales legal.

Unlike many states with a light-touch registration or no permit at all, Washington requires a cottage food permit from WSDA before you sell a single item. The permit is specific to the applicant and their primary residential kitchen — it is not transferable to another person or address.

WSDA is the regulatory body. Contact their food safety team at (360) 902-1876 or cottagefoods@agr.wa.gov.


What Foods Can You Sell?

Washington's cottage food law covers non-potentially-hazardous foods that do not require refrigeration for safety. WSDA's rule includes baked goods, candies, standardized jams and preserves, fruit butters, dry mixes, dry teas, dry coffees, and vinegars from approved sources, but only products approved by WSDA and listed on your permit may be produced.

✅ You Can Sell

  • Breads, rolls, muffins, biscuits, scones, and quick breads
  • Cookies, brownies, bars, cakes, cupcakes, and fruit pies with shelf-stable fillings
  • Candy, fudge, chocolate bark, and shelf-stable chocolate-dipped items
  • High-acid jams, jellies, preserves, and fruit butters
  • Vinegars from approved sources, with fruit or herb flavors added if approved
  • Dry spice blends, dry seasoning mixes, dry soup mixes, and dry dip mixes
  • Dry tea blends, loose-leaf tea mixes, dry coffee blends, and roasted coffee
  • Granola, trail mix, and shelf-stable dry snack mixes
  • Vanilla extract and other approved extracts

❌ You Cannot Sell

  • Refrigerated or frozen items, including cream pies, custard, and cream-filled pastries
  • Fresh vegetable or meat pies
  • Acidified foods — salsa, tomato sauce, pickled vegetables, barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce
  • Low-acid canned goods and canned vegetables
  • Meat, poultry, fish, or shellfish products
  • Foods requiring temperature control for safety
  • Dairy products such as cheeses and yogurt
  • Pet treats (regulated separately under commercial feed law)
  • Beverages, fresh juices, cut fresh produce, and garlic-in-oil mixtures

⚠ Watch out

Acidified foods — including salsas, tomato sauces, and pickled vegetables — are outside Washington's cottage food framework. WSDA specifically notes that manufacturers of cooked vegetable products like salsas and tomato sauces "must meet significant federal and state training and licensing requirements." Do not assume your salsa or fermented hot sauce qualifies as a cottage food product.

✓ Tip

If you are unsure whether a specific product is permitted, contact WSDA directly at (360) 902-1876 or cottagefoods@agr.wa.gov before including it in your permit application.


Annual Sales Cap

Washington cottage food law caps annual gross sales at $35,000. This limit was raised from $25,000 on July 23, 2023 — and the law now requires the cap to be reviewed and adjusted every four years starting in 2027, based on the Seattle-area consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers.

The $35,000 applies to total gross revenue from all cottage food products produced at a particular domestic residence. It is not a per-person cap that can be multiplied by adding helpers or family members. If you exceed that ceiling, you must stop selling under your cottage food permit for the rest of the calendar year or transition to a licensed food processing facility.

A 2024 bill (SB 5107) proposed raising the cap further to $50,000, but that legislation did not advance. Under current law, $35,000 is the ceiling. If you are trying to keep a capped cottage food business profitable, use the home bakery pricing guide to sanity-check your margins before you scale.


Sales Channels: Where You Can Sell

Washington permits direct-to-consumer sales only. Your products cannot be resold by a third party — no wholesale to grocery stores, cafés, or other retailers under your cottage food permit.

Permitted sales channels:

  • Porch pickup and home sales — selling directly from your permitted residence to individual consumers
  • Farmers markets — a common channel for Washington cottage food sellers; confirm with each market that your valid WSDA permit satisfies their vendor requirements
  • Temporary events and craft fairs — permitted where sales are direct to the consumer
  • In-state sales only — Washington cottage food law applies only within state borders

Online ordering: Washington's rule prohibits shipping, mail order sales, consignment, wholesale, and sales outside the state. WSDA's cottage food guidance focuses on direct-to-consumer sales. If you use a website or social media to collect preorders, structure the transaction around direct in-state handoff and verify the model with WSDA before building a delivery-first or mail-order workflow.

Interstate shipping: Not permitted. Cottage food law governs in-state, direct-to-consumer transactions only.

⚠ Watch out

"Direct to consumer" means you sell to the end customer — not to a store, café, or reseller. A retail shop carrying your products to sell to its own customers is resale, which is prohibited under your cottage food permit regardless of how the arrangement is structured.


Permit, License, and Registration Requirements

Washington requires a cottage food permit from WSDA before selling. This is not optional — the permit must be issued before your first sale, and a WSDA inspector will visit your kitchen as part of the process.

Key permit facts:

  • Total fee: $355 for a two-year permit, nonrefundable after WSDA receives the application (a separate $125 re-inspection fee applies only if you fail the initial inspection and request a second one)
  • Validity: Two years from the date of issuance (extended from annual in 2023)
  • Tied to: The applicant and their primary domestic residence — if you move, you must submit a new application with the fee
  • Processing time: Approximately 6–8 weeks from the date WSDA receives a complete application
  • Inspection: WSDA inspects your kitchen and all permitted areas identified in the application before issuing the permit
  • Food worker cards: The permit holder and any authorized people processing cottage food products must have valid food worker cards

The application process:

  1. Confirm that your intended products fall within WSDA's permitted categories
  2. Create accurate labels for every product you plan to sell — these must be submitted with the application
  3. Gather the required application materials, including the premises diagram, labels, recipe and processing information required by WAC 16-149-060, proposed processing dates, sales locations, water documentation if needed, food worker cards, and any required pet or child control plan
  4. Submit the completed application with the $355 fee to WSDA
  5. WSDA schedules a kitchen inspection and evaluates your space against the inspection criteria in Chapter 16-149 WAC
  6. If the inspection passes, WSDA issues your permit (allow 6–8 weeks from receipt of a complete application)

Recipe privacy note: WAC 16-149-060 says the application must include recipes plus a description of processing and packaging steps. WSDA also warns that information included in the application, including recipes, is subject to the Washington State Public Records Act. Do not include extra proprietary detail beyond what WSDA requires, and contact WSDA directly if you have trade-secret concerns before applying.

Local note: Check with your city and county about zoning ordinances and municipal laws that apply to conducting a business from your home. Some municipalities have home occupation permit requirements or restrictions on customer traffic to residential addresses.

Food worker card requirement: Washington's current cottage food rules require the permit holder and any authorized people involved in cottage food processing to have valid food worker cards. Food worker cards are issued through local county health departments, and WSDA says cards from third-party websites are not accepted.


Label Requirements for Washington Cottage Food

Every Washington cottage food product must carry a complete, accurate label before it reaches a customer. The labels you submit with your permit application must match what you use in the field — and you are responsible for ensuring every label accurately reflects the ingredients in each batch.

Required label elements under Chapter 16-149 WAC:

  1. Name and WSDA permit number of the cottage food operation business
  2. Name of the food product
  3. Ingredient list in descending order of predominance by weight — including sub-ingredients of compound ingredients
  4. Net weight or volume of the product — metric weight is not required by Washington's rule
  5. Major allergen declaration when any major allergen is present (wheat, milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, sesame)
  6. Nutrition facts only if you make a nutrient or health claim
  7. The required disclaimer — quoted below, printed in at least the equivalent of 11-point type in a color that clearly contrasts with the label background

The required disclaimer — use this exact language on every label:

Made in a Home Kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria.

WSDA allows all capital letters or upper/lower case — but the substance of the statement must be exact. Do not paraphrase. Earlier phrasings like "not inspected by a local health agency" appear in older guidance and do not match the current official WSDA requirement.


ElementRequired by WA LawRecommended Best Practice
Product name✅ RequiredUse the common name customers recognize
Ingredient list (descending by weight)✅ RequiredInclude sub-ingredients for compound ingredients
Net weight or volume✅ RequiredInclude both US and metric units (e.g., Net Wt. 8 oz / 227 g)
Major allergen declaration✅ Required when applicableUse a clear "Contains:" line near the ingredient list
Business name and WSDA permit number✅ RequiredDisplay prominently — inspectors and market managers may check for it
Required disclaimer✅ RequiredVerbatim WSDA text; at least 11-point equivalent with clear contrast
Home addressNot required (permit number substitutes)Not recommended — privacy concern for home-based producers
Production or bake dateNot required✅ Recommended — builds customer trust and simplifies quality follow-up
Best-by or use-by dateNot required✅ Recommended for items with shorter shelf life
Storage instructionsNot required✅ Recommended for humidity-sensitive items
QR code linking to storefrontNot required✅ Drives repeat orders
Nutrition facts panelRequired only if you make a nutrient or health claimUsually omit unless a claim requires it

Common labeling mistakes Washington bakers make:

  • Using older disclaimer language ("not inspected by a local health agency") instead of the current WSDA-required text
  • Omitting the cottage food operation business name or WSDA permit number — this element is unique to Washington and frequently overlooked by bakers familiar with other states
  • Listing allergens incompletely — sesame was added to the federal major allergen list in 2023 and must now be declared when present
  • Changing a formula after the permit is issued without updating the submitted label
  • Printing the disclaimer below the required 11-point equivalent or in a low-contrast color

MyPorch can help you organize the product details every Washington label needs — product name, ingredient list, net weight, allergen disclosures, permit number, and the 11-point home-kitchen disclaimer — and generate printable labels from that product data. For broader label examples, use the cottage food labeling guide alongside WSDA's application materials. Start a free MyPorch storefront → and keep your WSDA permit information current before printing.


Now That You Know the Rules — Here's How to Start Selling

Washington's permit process is the most important variable to plan around. The 6–8 week timeline is not flexible — WSDA processes applications in order received, and an incomplete submission resets the clock. A baker who submits a complete application today should plan to start selling roughly two months out.

The $355 fee and mandatory inspection make this a higher-stakes launch than most states. Getting your labels right before you apply — and your ordering system ready before the permit arrives — protects that investment.

  1. Confirm your product list. Stick to WSDA's permitted categories — baked goods, candy, standardized jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butters, vinegars from approved sources, dry spice blends, dry mixes, dry coffee, and dry tea blends. For any gray-area product, email cottagefoods@agr.wa.gov before investing in packaging.
  2. Create compliant labels for every product you plan to sell. Labels must be submitted with the application. Draft your labels first, verify they include all required elements, and keep them accurate as your formulas evolve.
  3. Get food worker cards for everyone who will process cottage foods. The application requires a copy of the applicant's food worker card and the cards for any other people conducting cottage food processing.
  4. Submit a complete application and pay the $355 fee. Include the required labels, premises diagram, processing details, sales-location information, water documentation if applicable, and any required pet or child control plan. Remember that application materials can become public record.
  5. Prepare for the WSDA kitchen inspection. Review WSDA's published inspection criteria before your appointment. The inspector evaluates your kitchen, food storage, and all areas identified in the application.
  6. Once the permit arrives, add your permit number to every label. Your permit number is required on all labels before your first sale.
  7. Set up your ordering system before you announce your first batch. Taking orders through Instagram DMs or text messages works until about the tenth order, when tracking becomes a problem. A dedicated pre-order system that collects payment in advance, locks in your order count before bake day, and sends confirmations automatically is dramatically more sustainable. The home bakery pre-order guide walks through that workflow. Start your free MyPorch storefront →
  8. Track your gross sales against the $35,000 annual cap. Keep a simple monthly record so you know where you stand year-to-date.

Summary

Key Takeaways — Washington Cottage Food Law

  • Washington requires a $355 cottage food permit from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) before you sell — your kitchen will be inspected as part of the application process.
  • The annual sales cap is $35,000 — raised from $25,000 in 2023, with four-year adjustments tied to the Seattle-area CPI starting in 2027.
  • Every Washington cottage food label must include the business name, permit number, required 11-point disclaimer, ingredient list, net weight, and allergen disclosures — a home address is not required.
  • The permit holder and any authorized people processing cottage food products must have valid Washington food worker cards.
  • Products can only be sold directly to the consumer — no wholesale, no resale by a third party, and no interstate shipping.
  • The application process averages 6–8 weeks — submit a complete application with product labels and the required recipe/process information before you plan to sell.

Frequently Asked Questions


What is Washington's cottage food law?
Washington's cottage food law (Chapter 69.22 RCW) allows residents to produce and sell non-potentially-hazardous foods — baked goods, candy, jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butters, dry spice blends, and dry tea blends — from their primary residential kitchen. A permit from WSDA is required, a kitchen inspection is part of the process, and annual gross sales are capped at $35,000.
How do I get a cottage food permit in Washington state?
Apply directly to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). You must submit a completed application with the $355 nonrefundable fee and accurate labels for every product you plan to sell. WSDA will schedule a kitchen inspection before issuing the permit. The process averages 6–8 weeks from receipt of a complete application.
How much does a cottage food permit cost in Washington?
The total fee is $355 for a two-year permit, nonrefundable after WSDA receives the application. A separate $125 re-inspection fee applies only if you fail the initial inspection and request a second one.
How long does it take to get a cottage food permit in Washington?
On average, 6–8 weeks from the date WSDA receives a complete application. Submit early — especially if you plan to sell during summer farmers market season.
Does my kitchen need to be inspected to get a cottage food permit?
Yes. A WSDA representative must inspect your kitchen and all permitted areas identified in the application to verify food safety standards. The inspection is part of the permit issuance process.
Do I need a food worker card for a Washington cottage food permit?
Yes. The permit holder and any authorized people who process cottage food products must have valid food worker cards. WSDA says food worker cards are available through local county health departments and are not accepted from third-party websites.
Does my cottage food permit expire?
Yes. Washington cottage food permits are valid for two years from the date of issuance. Before 2023, permits required annual renewal.
Can I operate a cottage food business without a permit in Washington?
No. Washington law states that "a Cottage Food Permit must be issued before you sell your product." Operating without a permit violates Chapter 69.22 RCW.
What happens if I move while I have a cottage food permit?
The permit is issued for a specific applicant and their primary domestic residence. If you move, you must submit a new application with the $355 fee for your new address.
What information needs to be on a cottage food label in Washington?
Required elements under Chapter 16-149 WAC: (1) cottage food operation business name and WSDA permit number, (2) product name, (3) ingredient list in descending weight order, (4) net weight or volume, (5) major allergen declaration when applicable, (6) nutrition facts if you make a nutrition claim, and (7) the required 11-point disclaimer: "Made in a Home Kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria."
Does my cottage food label need to include my home address in Washington?
No. Washington is unusual in that a home address is not a required label element — your WSDA permit number serves as the location identifier. Many Washington cottage food bakers omit their address for privacy.
What is the required disclaimer for Washington cottage food labels?
The verbatim required statement is: Made in a Home Kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria. WSDA allows all capital letters or upper/lower case. Print it in at least 11-point equivalent type with clear contrast, and do not paraphrase — older phrasings like "not inspected by a local health agency" do not match the current official WSDA requirement.
Do I need to list allergens on my cottage food label in Washington?
Yes, when the product contains a major allergen. Declare all major allergens — wheat, milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and sesame. Sesame was added to the federal major allergen list in 2023. Use a clear "Contains:" statement near the ingredient list.
Is there a specific font size required for the disclaimer on my Washington cottage food label?
Yes. Chapter 16-149 WAC requires the disclaimer to be printed in at least the equivalent of 11-point type and in a color that clearly contrasts with the background of the label.
What is the annual sales cap for cottage food in Washington?
$35,000 in gross sales per year. This was raised from $25,000 effective July 23, 2023. The statute requires the cap to be reviewed and adjusted every four years starting in 2027, based on the Seattle-area CPI for urban wage earners and clerical workers.
What happens if I exceed the $35,000 sales cap?
Exceeding the annual sales cap takes you outside the cottage food framework. You would need to transition to a licensed food processor or commercial kitchen to continue selling legally. Keep monthly sales records so you can monitor your position relative to the cap.
Can I sell cottage food products online in Washington?
Washington requires direct-to-consumer sales and prohibits shipping, mail order sales, consignment, wholesale, and out-of-state sales. A website can be useful for collecting local preorder information, but structure fulfillment around direct in-state handoff and verify your model with WSDA before taking payment online or offering delivery.
Can I ship cottage food products out of state from Washington?
No. Washington cottage food law does not authorize interstate carrier shipping. Out-of-state sales are also outside the permitted scope.
Can I sell my cottage food products at a retail store in Washington?
No. Washington cottage food law prohibits wholesale and third-party resale. Your products must be sold directly to the end consumer. A retail store selling your products to its own customers is resale, which is not permitted under your cottage food permit.
Can I sell cottage food products at a coffee shop or café in Washington?
Not under your cottage food permit. A café selling your products to its own customers constitutes resale, which is prohibited under Washington's direct-to-consumer requirement. Supplying a café requires a licensed food processor arrangement separate from cottage food law.
Can I sell cottage food products at a temporary event or craft fair in Washington?
Yes, as long as sales are direct to the consumer. Confirm with the event organizer that your valid WSDA permit satisfies any vendor requirements before booking a booth.
What foods can I sell from home in Washington state?
Washington permits baked goods (breads, cookies, cakes, muffins, pies with shelf-stable fillings), candy, standardized jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butters, vinegars from approved sources, dry spice blends, dry mixes, dry coffee, and dry tea blends. Refrigerated products, acidified foods (salsa, pickles, hot sauce), meat, poultry, canned goods, and foods requiring temperature control are not permitted under the cottage food framework.
Can I sell sourdough bread made in a home kitchen in Washington?
Yes. Sourdough bread is a shelf-stable baked good and is fully permitted under Washington's cottage food law, provided you hold a valid WSDA permit and your labels are compliant.
Can I sell cookies from home in Washington?
Yes. Cookies are an approved non-potentially-hazardous baked good under Washington's cottage food law.
Can I sell jams and jellies from home in Washington?
Yes. High-acid jams, jellies, preserves, and fruit butters are explicitly listed in Washington's cottage food law as permitted products.
Can I sell canned goods from home in Washington?
No. Low-acid canned goods and acidified foods are outside Washington's cottage food framework and require separate processing authority.
Can I sell refrigerated goods in Washington?
No. Washington's cottage food law covers only non-potentially-hazardous products that do not require refrigeration for safety.
Can I sell pet treats under the Washington Cottage Food Law?
No. Pet food is regulated separately under commercial feed laws. Washington's cottage food law applies only to food products intended for human consumption.
Do I need to collect sales tax on my cottage food sales in Washington?
In Washington, most food products for human consumption are exempt from retail sales tax — including most baked goods. Some confections and candy may be taxable. Confirm your specific product classifications with the Washington Department of Revenue before your first sale.
Can I operate my cottage food business from an apartment in Washington?
Possibly, but with caveats. The permit is issued for your primary domestic residence, which can be an apartment. However, your lease may prohibit commercial activity, and local zoning may affect whether customers can pick up orders from your unit. Check your lease and local ordinances before applying.
How does WSDA verify my kitchen is safe?
A WSDA inspector visits your home and evaluates your kitchen against WSDA's published cottage food inspection criteria. The inspection covers the kitchen space, food storage, equipment, and any areas identified in your permit application. WSDA publishes its inspection criteria on their cottage food page — review it before your appointment.
Do I need to register my cottage food business name in Washington?
Chapter 16-149 WAC requires the cottage food operation to keep a copy of its master business license, and your label must include the name of the cottage food operation business. Your local municipality may also have business registration or home-occupation requirements.
What are the consequences for violating the Washington Cottage Food Law?
Operating without a permit, exceeding the $35,000 sales cap, selling prohibited products, or using noncompliant labels can result in enforcement action by WSDA, ranging from a warning to permit revocation or civil penalties. Specific penalties are defined in Chapter 69.22 RCW.
Who regulates the cottage food laws in Washington?
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) — specifically the food safety division. Contact them at (360) 902-1876 or cottagefoods@agr.wa.gov.
How do I start a cottage food business in Washington?
Step-by-step: (1) confirm your products are in WSDA's permitted categories, (2) create compliant labels for every product, (3) get food worker cards for everyone who will process cottage foods, (4) submit a complete permit application with the $355 fee and required supporting materials, (5) pass the WSDA kitchen inspection, (6) receive your permit and add the permit number to all your labels, (7) begin selling directly to consumers.
How do I get compliant labels for my Washington cottage food products?
MyPorch helps you organize the information every Washington label requires — product name, ingredient list, net weight, allergen disclosures, permit number, and the required 11-point disclaimer — and generate printable Washington labels from your product data. Keep your WSDA permit information current before printing. Start your free MyPorch storefront →

Recent Law Changes

2023 — Sales Cap Increase and Two-Year Permit Validity

Effective July 23, 2023, Washington raised the annual sales cap from $25,000 to $35,000. The same legislation extended permit validity from one year to two years, reducing the cost and administrative burden of annual renewal. The law also established that the cap will be reviewed and adjusted for inflation every four years starting in 2027, based on the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index.

2025 — SB 5605 (Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations)

Senate Bill 5605, concerning microenterprise home kitchen operations (MEHKOs), was introduced in the 2025 session and was reintroduced/retained in the 2026 regular session. MEHKOs are a separate track from cottage food — they would cover meal service and cooked-to-order food produced in a home kitchen, with separate permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. As of this review, SB 5605 has not changed Washington's cottage food framework. Monitor the bill if you are interested in offering prepared meals beyond the current cottage food product list.

2024 — SB 5107 (Did Not Advance)

SB 5107 was introduced in 2024 to raise the annual sales cap to $50,000 and require biennial WSDA cap reviews. This bill did not advance. Under current law, the $35,000 cap with Seattle-area CPI-indexed adjustments every four years remains in effect.

_This guide was last reviewed May 12, 2026. Washington cottage food law should be verified against the official sources below before making compliance decisions. Laws change — check WSDA's cottage food page and the current text of Chapter 69.22 RCW for the most current requirements._

How Washington Compares

Washington vs. Similar States

Key metrics across states with similar baker populations.

StateAnnual CapWholesaleOnline SalesInspection
WashingtonThis guide$35KNoNoYes
IdahoNoneNoYesNo
Oregon$53KNoYesNo
Alabama$20KNoYesNo
California$75K / $150KYesYesNo

Next step

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Official sources

Next source review due November 12, 2026. Corrections: hello@myporch.app