Washington cottage food law
Washington Cottage Food Law — 136 pages and 39 counties
Full Washington PDF (136 pages). This page stays free.
Last updated: · Research verified · Full guide in Cottage Pro ($15 one time) (136 pages)
Full Washington PDF (136 pages). This page stays free.
Print Washington labels for your first market
Print Washington labels for your first market
After the law page, this is the next thing most bakers need: a print-ready mockup with the Washington home-kitchen disclaimer, allergen line, and net-weight fields.
Made in a home kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria.
The Crosodo 50-State Cottage Food Label Packet (287 pages) is included in Cottage Pro — 287 pages of per-state rules, official examples, and county extras. Open the combined packet. The Washington mockup above stays free.
- Product name, producer, and address (or allowed alternative)
- Ingredients by weight and major allergens
- Net weight / quantity
- Washington home-kitchen / “not inspected” disclaimer
Not legal advice. Verify wording with the state agency before a production print run.
What does the official Washington state handout say?
Washington Cottage Food Law — Official Guidance Summary
Official agency guidance changes without notice. The text below is reproduced for reference only — always confirm current rules on the agency website before relying on it.
- Washington State Department of Agriculturehttps://agr.wa.gov/services/business-services/food-safety-and-licensing/cottage-food-operations
Washington's cottage food rules are set by RCW §69.22.010–.040. The summary below is drawn from Crosodo's verified statute research and official agency guidance. Always confirm current requirements on the state agency website before you sell.
Program basics
- Revised Code of Washington, Title 69 Food, Drugs, Cosmetics, and Poisons, Chapter 69.22 Cottage Food Operations
- None
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
Allowed products and sales channels
- Nonpotentially-hazardous baked goods; baked candies and stovetop candies; jams, jellies, preserves, and fruit butters (as defined in 21 C.F.R. §150); and other nonpotentially hazardous foods identified by the director by rule. No THC ingredients (0.3% or greater) permitted.
- No dollar sales cap is specified in the statute.
- Potentially hazardous (TCS) foods are prohibited. Products cannot be sold via internet, mail order, or for retail sale outside the state. No one other than the permittee or persons under their direct supervision may handle cottage food products or be in the kitchen during processing.
- Cottage food products may only be sold directly to the consumer. Internet sales, mail order, and retail sale outside Washington state are explicitly prohibited. Products may not be repackaged, sold, or used as an ingredient by a food processing plant, or sold by a food service establishment.
Labeling
- Every package must display: (1) business name and permit number; (2) product name; (3) ingredients in descending weight order; (4) net weight or volume; (5) allergen labeling per director's rules; (6) nutritional claim labeling if applicable; and (7) the statement 'Made in a home kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria.' in at least 11-point font in a contrasting color.
- Products must be stored only in the primary domestic residence.
Statute excerpt
- RCW 69.22.010 Definitions. (1) "Cottage food operation" means a person who produces cottage food products only in the home kitchen of that person's primary domestic residence in Washington and only for sale directly to the consumer. (2) "Cottage food products" means nonpotentially hazardous baked goods; baked candies and candies made on a stovetop; jams, jellies, preserves, and fruit butters as defined in 21 C.F.R. Sec.
- 150 as it existed on July 22, 2011; and other nonpotentially hazardous foods identified by the director in rule. No ingredient containing a tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of 0.3 percent or greater may be included as an ingredient in any cottage food product.
- RCW 69.22.020(3) A cottage food operation must place on the label of any food it produces or packages, at a minimum, the following information: (a) The name and permit number issued under RCW 69.22.030 of the business of the cottage food operation; (b) The name of the cottage food product; (c) The ingredients of the cottage food product, in descending order of predominance by weight; (d) The net weight or net volume of the cottage food product; (e) Allergen labeling as specified by the director in rule; (f) If any nutritional claim is made, appropriate labeling as specified by the director in rule; (g) The following statement printed in at least the equivalent of eleven-point font size in a color that provides a clear contrast to the background: "Made in a home kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria." (4) Cottage food products may only be sold directly to the consumer and may not be sold by internet, mail order, or for retail sale outside the state.
- RCW 69.22.030(1) All cottage food operations must be permitted every two years by the department on forms developed by the department. All permits and permit renewals must be made on forms developed by the director and be accompanied by an inspection fee as provided in RCW 69.22.040, a $75 public health review fee, and a $30 processing fee.
Official sources
- State agency cottage food page: https://agr.wa.gov/services/business-services/food-safety-and-licensing/cottage-food-operations
- Statute: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=69.22.040
Summarized from official Washington cottage food statute research and agency guidance. Agency rules change — verify on the official site before relying on this information.
Cottage Pro — $15 one time
This page is the free Washington statute. Cottage Pro is the apply checklist and workspace.
Pick your Washington county
The Cottage Baker's Field Guide (PDF)
A 6-page reference covering all 51 jurisdictions with methodology and tier explainers — same data as this directory, ready to print and tape to your wall.
Download the PDFFree email alerts
Washington Cottage Food Updates
New bills, rule changes and local news for home bakers in Washington. Every story links to its source.
What does the Good tier mean for Washington?
Tier: Good. Solid baseline with moderate restrictions — typically a high cap (often $50K+) and standard direct-to-consumer rules. Workable for most home bakers.
Washington cottage food law — quick summary
Washington cottage food law in 2026: summary
Last verified against the official sources linked on each line.
- Washington requires a Cottage Food Permit from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) before you sell. The application fee is $355, and WSDA inspects your kitchen before issuing the permit.(source: Washington State Dept. of Agriculture, Cottage Food)
- Gross sales of cottage food products may not exceed $35,000 a year, with up to 50 master products.(source: Washington State Dept. of Agriculture, Cottage Food)
- Sales must be directly to the consumer. You can advertise and take orders online, but you can't ship by mail or courier, sell on consignment, or wholesale.(source: Washington State Dept. of Agriculture, Cottage Food)
- You also need a Food Worker Card and a Master Business License.(source: Washington State Dept. of Agriculture, Cottage Food)
What changed in the 2026 Washington cottage food law?
How do I start a cottage food business in Washington?
How to start in Washington
A practical path from “am I allowed?” to first sale. Not legal advice — confirm every step with Washington agencies and your local offices.
Confirm your products are allowed
Washington allows Nonpotentially-hazardous baked goods; baked candies and stovetop candies; jams, jellies, preserves, and fruit butters (as defined in 21 C.F.R. §150); and other nonpotentially hazardous foods identified by the director by rule. No THC ingredients (0.3% or greater) permitted. No dollar sales cap is specified in the statute.. High-risk or refrigerated foods usually need a commercial kitchen — not a cottage exemption.
Choose sales channels you can actually use
Sales cap: No cap. Indirect / wholesale-style sales: No. Farmers markets and direct-to-consumer pickup are the usual start. Check county and city rules before advertising porch pickup.
Clear local zoning, licenses, and tax IDs
State cottage food rules are the floor. Your city or county may still require a business license, home occupation approval, HOA permission, or sales tax registration. Do this before you print an address on Instagram.
Registration, training, and kitchen rules
State registration: Yes. Food handler / training: Yes. Kitchen inspection: Yes. Complete certificates the market or agency will ask for.
Build compliant labels
Use the Washington label requirements on this site (and the free template). Match disclaimer language to the statute or agency guide before you print a batch.
Soft-launch, then first paid sales
Keep a simple sales log from day one so you stay under any annual cap. Soft-launch with pre-orders before a full market day.
Verify with official sources
Re-check the state cottage food page and your local health / planning office before you invest in equipment or marketing. Rules change.
What usually goes on the package
- Product name (common or usual name of the food)
- Business or producer name
- Producer address (or address alternative your state allows)
- Ingredients in descending order by weight
- Major allergen disclosures (e.g. wheat, milk, eggs, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, sesame)
- Net weight or quantity
- Home-kitchen disclaimer: “Made in a home kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria.”
This is a planning checklist compiled for home bakers. It is not legal, tax, or zoning advice.
What are the Washington sales cap, allowed products and registration rules?
None
Nonpotentially-hazardous baked goods; baked candies and stovetop candies; jams, jellies, preserves, and fruit butters (as defined in 21 C.F.R. §150); and other nonpotentially hazardous foods identified by the director by rule. No THC ingredients (0.3% or greater) permitted. No dollar sales cap is specified in the statute.
Registration: Yes. Food handler cert: Yes.
What does the Washington cottage food statute say?
Revised Code of Washington, Title 69 Food, Drugs, Cosmetics, and Poisons, Chapter 69.22 Cottage Food Operations
Verbatim excerptRCW 69.22.010 Definitions. (1) "Cottage food operation" means a person who produces cottage food products only in the home kitchen of that person's primary domestic residence in Washington and only for sale directly to the consumer. (2) "Cottage food products" means nonpotentially hazardous baked goods; baked candies and candies made on a stovetop; jams, jellies, preserves, and fruit butters as defined in 21 C.F.R. Sec. 150 as it existed on July 22, 2011; and other nonpotentially hazardous foods identified by the director in rule. No ingredient containing a tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of 0.3 percent or greater may be included as an ingredient in any cottage food product. RCW 69.22.020(3) A cottage food operation must place on the label of any food it produces or packages, at a minimum, the following information: (a) The name and permit number issued under RCW 69.22.030 of the business of the cottage food operation; (b) The name of the cottage food product; (c) The ingredients of the cottage food product, in descending order of predominance by weight; (d) The net weight or net volume of the cottage food product; (e) Allergen labeling as specified by the director in rule; (f) If any nutritional claim is made, appropriate labeling as specified by the director in rule; (g) The following statement printed in at least the equivalent of eleven-point font size in a color that provides a clear contrast to the background: "Made in a home kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria." (4) Cottage food products may only be sold directly to the consumer and may not be sold by internet, mail order, or for retail sale outside the state. RCW 69.22.030(1) All cottage food operations must be permitted every two years by the department on forms developed by the department. All permits and permit renewals must be made on forms developed by the director and be accompanied by an inspection fee as provided in RCW 69.22.040, a $75 public health review fee, and a $30 processing fee.
Source: app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=69.22.010 →
How does Washington compare with neighboring states?
Washington vs neighboring cottage food laws
Tier and sales-cap snapshot for Washington and nearby states. Click through for full rules, labeling, and county pages.
| State | Tier | Sales cap | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| WashingtonYou are here | Good | None | This page |
| Idaho | Great | None | Idaho law → |
| Oregon | Good | 50000 | Oregon law → |
Need a compliant product label for Washington? Open the Washington label mockup (free), or the Cottage Pro — 287-page label packet included.
Notes on Washington cottage food rules
Where can I verify Washington's rules?
Where to verify Washington's rules
Washington special guides
Which Washington counties are covered?
Washington Counties
39 counties tracked. Pick yours for the local zoning + health department links.
View all 39 counties →What are the city zoning rules in Washington?
City zoning rules in Washington
City zoning rules apply on top of the state cottage food law — home occupation, customer pickup, signage, and employees.
Was this page helpful?
Washington cottage food law — FAQ
Do I need a license or permit to sell homemade food in Washington?
Yes — Yes. Food handler certification: Yes.
What foods can I sell under the Washington cottage food law?
Nonpotentially-hazardous baked goods; baked candies and stovetop candies; jams, jellies, preserves, and fruit butters (as defined in 21 C.F.R. §150); and other nonpotentially hazardous foods identified by the director by rule. No THC ingredients (0.3% or greater) permitted. No dollar sales cap is specified in the statute.
Is there a sales cap for cottage food in Washington?
None
How good is Washington's cottage food law?
Washington is a Good-tier cottage food state by Crosodo's rating criteria. Solid baseline with moderate restrictions — typically a high cap (often $50K+) and standard direct-to-consumer rules. Workable for most home bakers.
What must a Washington cottage food label say?
The name and permit number of the operation, the product name, ingredients in descending order by weight (with sub-ingredients), net weight or volume, allergen labeling, and the statement "MADE IN A HOME KITCHEN THAT HAS NOT BEEN SUBJECT TO STANDARD INSPECTION CRITERIA". Your home address is no longer required.(source: Washington State Dept. of Agriculture, Cottage Food)
Can I ship cottage food in Washington?
No. WSDA says cottage food can't be shipped by mail or courier; delivery and payment must be person to person between producer and end consumer.(source: Washington State Dept. of Agriculture, Cottage Food)
Keep exploring Washington
Keep exploring Washington
Labels, product checks, county zoning, and local discuss — so one state page becomes a full readiness plan.
Market-day tees from the Crosodo collection — for the craft, not the algorithm.
What do bakers ask about Washington?
What bakers ask about Washington
Seed threads for markets, zoning, and labels — join the channel or ask the directory.
Farmers market process in Washington?
Which markets welcome cottage bakers, what they charge, and label checks on day one.
Good label printers in Washington?
Local print shops or home setups that handle home-kitchen disclaimers cleanly.
Zoning experience in Washington counties?
Home occupation, pickup traffic, signage — what did your planning office actually require?
How I got legal in Washington
Registration portal tips, food handler cert, and the county step nobody publishes.
Washington label wording that passed review
Share real labels (blur personal info) and any county extras beyond the state minimum.
Crosodo tees for Washington bakers
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While you're deep in Washington rules — vintage-varsity tees for booth days and bake nights.
Can I list my bakes in the Crosodo classifieds?
Resources for cottage food and home bakers
Supplies, courses, insurance, farmers markets, kitchen rentals, and local services. To advertise here, visit crosodo.com/advertise. Browse all classifieds.
Ads are paid placements. Crosodo does not endorse listed vendors. Verify all product, service, course, insurance, and legal information independently.
Is this Washington page legal advice?
Cottage food laws are amended every year. This is a starting reference, not legal advice. Verify with Washington State Department of Agriculture and your local health department before relying on this data.
Official filing: Washington State Department of Agriculture →
How does the Crosodo ladder work here? State vs county rules and pets
Crosodo ladder · not a license · How the ladder works
- 0Bake for friends
Give it away: gifts, potlucks, the office tray.
Washington
$0
Taking money? → Step 1
- 1Sell from home
Sell shelf-stable bakes straight to the person who eats them.
Washington
$355 state
Want store shelves? → Step 2
- 2Sell to stores
Sell to shops, cafés and resellers from an inspected kitchen.
Washington
- Selling to stores: check with Washington State Department of Agriculture
Want a storefront? → Step 3
- 3Commercial bakery
Bake in a commercial kitchen. Sell from your own shop.
Washington
- Commercial kitchen permit: check with Washington State Department of Agriculture
Renew permits every year
- Pets: do I need a door?
Washington · Step 1
Not verified yet
Check with Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Washington · Step 2 (home)
Not verified yet
Check with Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Pick your county for local rules → Crosodo is a research guide, not a government agency. Not legal advice.