Washington cottage food laws
Last updated October 26, 2026. Rules change, so always confirm with the official Washington source.
The law: Washington Cottage Food Operations Act, RCW Chapter 69.22 and WAC Chapter 16-149.
What you can sell
Approved non-potentially hazardous baked goods, candies, jams/jellies, preserves, fruit butters and dry blends may be made in the primary home kitchen.
What you can't sell
Refrigerated foods, custard pies, fresh-fruit or vegetable-containing foods, canned produce, meat/fish foods and pet foods are excluded by agency guidance.
Do you need a license or permit?
Obtain a WSDA cottage permit before sales: $355 for two years, with application/recipe/label review and home inspection. A food-worker card, business license and applicable water testing are required; subsequent inspections occur annually.
Sales limits
Gross cottage-food sales may not exceed $35,000 annually; the permit allows up to 50 master products with variations.
Where you can sell
Direct-to-consumer sales only, with no wholesale or resale. RCW 69.22.020 prohibits internet sales, mail order and out-of-state retail sales; do not use carrier shipping as a substitute for direct sales.
Label requirements
Include business name and permit number, product name, ingredients/subingredients in descending weight, net quantity and allergens, with nutrition labeling if nutritional claims are made. Print “Made in a home kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria.” in contrasting color and at least 11-point type.
Good to know
The permit is tied to the operator and primary residence; moving requires a new application and fee. Check local zoning and business rules.
Pricing your products
Knowing your real cost per item matters as much as following the law.
Try Oven Elf free →Source: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=69.22.020
General summary, not legal advice.
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