New York cottage food laws
Last updated October 26, 2026. Rules change, so always confirm with the official New York source.
The law: Home Processor Exemption (Article 20-C)
What you can sell
Approved shelf-stable breads, cookies, cakes, fruit pies, jams, jellies, candies and snack mixes. Products must be on the agency approved list.
What you can't sell
Refrigerated foods, meat products, beverages, pickles, sauces and chocolate melting or dipping operations are not covered.
Do you need a license or permit?
Register products and your home with Agriculture and Markets before selling; registration is free and does not expire. Private wells require an acceptable laboratory water test.
Sales limits
No dollar cap is stated in the agency guidance.
Where you can sell
Retail and wholesale, markets, home delivery and internet sales are allowed within New York only. Do not sell or ship outside New York.
Label requirements
Prepackage at home with product name, ingredients by weight, net quantity, processor name and full address, and major allergens. The agency recommends, rather than mandates, wording such as “Made at Home by XYZ.”
Good to know
Obtain approval for additional products and a new registration when moving. Local zoning still applies.
Pricing your products
Knowing your real cost per item matters as much as following the law.
Try Oven Elf free →Source: https://agriculture.ny.gov/food-safety/home-processing
General summary, not legal advice.
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