Washington Cottage Food Laws

Washington's permit takes the longest of the West Coast states to obtain — plan for several weeks between application and your inspection.

Fast facts

Permit
Cottage food permit + inspection required
Annual sales cap
$35,000/yr
Online sales
Limited
Shipping
Not allowed

What makes Washington different

  • WSDA issues an annual cottage food permit that includes a kitchen inspection
  • $35,000 gross annual sales cap
  • A food worker card and an approved water source are required

Where you can sell in Washington

  • Direct to consumer
  • Farmers markets
  • Home pickup
  • Events

What you can and can't make

Washington follows the standard cottage food logic: shelf-stable items are in, anything needing refrigeration is out. Check the Washington State Department of Agriculture product list for state-specific exceptions.

Generally allowed

  • Breads, rolls, biscuits and buns
  • Cakes, cupcakes and brownies (without cream-cheese or custard fillings)
  • Cookies, bars and biscotti
  • Fruit pies and fruit-filled pastries
  • Candy, brittle, fudge and chocolate-covered items
  • Dry mixes, granola, popcorn and roasted nuts
  • Jams, jellies and preserves made from high-acid fruit

Generally prohibited

  • Cheesecake and cream-cheese frostings or fillings
  • Custard, meringue, pudding and Bavarian-cream pies
  • Anything containing meat, poultry or seafood
  • Fresh-dairy items, ice cream and buttercream that requires refrigeration
  • Canned vegetables, salsas and other low-acid canned goods
  • Garlic-in-oil, pickled goods and fermented foods (in most states)
  • Kombucha, juices and other beverages requiring a process authority

Washington labeling requirements

  1. The name and physical address of your home kitchen business
  2. The common name of the product
  3. A full ingredient list in descending order by weight
  4. Allergen declaration for the major allergens (milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, sesame)
  5. Net weight or volume
  6. A cottage food disclosure such as "Made in a home kitchen that is not subject to routine state inspection"

Official source for Washington

Washington State Department of Agriculture administers cottage food rules in Washington.

Last verified:

Visit Washington State Department of Agriculture

Not legal advice. This summary is for general education. Confirm with Washington State Department of Agriculture before you start selling.

Cottage food laws in other states