Why this matters
What Maine actually allows — and what it doesn't.
Maine's cottage food law operates under Title 22 §2167 (food establishment licensing) with implementing rules in 01-001 CMR Ch. 345 (Home Food Manufacturing). A separate pathway exists under Title 7 Ch. 8-F (Food Sovereignty Act), allowing municipalities to pass local ordinances.
Annual revenue cap
Maine sets no cap on cottage food revenue.
Annual gross cap
Unlimited
Sales channels
Where you can sell in Maine — and where you can't.
Online ordering
YesYesShipping
YesYesSeller delivery
YesYesThird-party delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats)
ConditionalConditionalInterstate sales
NoNoWholesale to retail stores
NoNoRegistration & permits
Maine requires registration before you sell.
- Registration
Required
Type: license
- Registration cost
$20
- Timeline
About 30 days
- Labeling standard
Standard
- Inspection
Required
- Food safety certification
Not required
- Address privacy
Not available
Prohibited categories
What you can't sell under cottage food rules.
- Tcs
- Meat
- Poultry
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Cut Produce
- Cream Fillings
- Custard
- Low Acid Canned Goods
- Pressure Canned Foods
- Dried Meat Jerky
- Fermented Foods
How to start
Steps to a legal first sale in Maine.
Confirm your products qualify
Verify your menu fits Maine's cottage food rules. Most states restrict temperature-controlled, meat, seafood, and low-acid canned items; check the prohibited-foods list above.
Register with your state agency
Maine requires cottage food operators to register before selling. Registration cost is $20. Expect about 30 days for processing.
Maine registration portalLabel every product correctly
Every label must include your name (or registered ID), product name, ingredients, and allergens per Maine rules.
Start taking orders
Maine allows online orders, in-state shipping, seller delivery. Route orders through your own channels.