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
NoNoLicense, permit & registration
Maine requires registration before you sell.
Do you need a cottage food license or permit in Maine? Yes — Maine wants you to register before selling. Here is what that path involves.
- 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
Food categories
Foods the basic cottage food rules usually do not cover.
- 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
Compare your menu against Maine's cottage food rules. Temperature-controlled, meat, seafood, and low-acid canned items often require a different path; check the state-specific food categories 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.
Frequently asked
Maine cottage food — your questions answered.
Do you need a license to sell food in Maine?
For home-manufactured foods, Maine requires a license that costs about $20. Separately, the Food Sovereignty Act lets towns that have adopted local ordinances allow direct producer-to-consumer sales under local rules. Which applies depends on your town and your menu.
What is the cottage food law in Maine?
Maine works through two tracks: the home food manufacturing license under 22 M.R.S. 2167 (with rules in 01-001 CMR Ch. 345), and the Food Sovereignty Act (7 M.R.S. Ch. 8-F), a local-option law adopted by many towns for direct sales.
Does Maine inspect your kitchen for a cottage food license?
Yes. Maine's Home Food Manufacturing License carries a $20 annual fee and requires a home kitchen inspection within 30 days of applying. In return there is no revenue cap — the license allows unlimited sales — and if you are not on municipal water you will also need to test your private well.
Where can I sell my home food in Maine, and can I ship it?
A licensed Maine home food manufacturer can sell at farmers markets (with a separate mobile vendor license), retail stores, restaurants, and online within Maine. In-state delivery and online sales are allowed, but interstate shipping is explicitly prohibited. Acidified foods like pickles, chocolate sauces, and low-sugar jams need pH testing and recipe approval before they can go on that list.
Maine cottage food laws: what is the short version?
Maine requires license before selling cottage food. The listed cost is $20. The cited state sources do not list a revenue cap. Maine allows online orders, in-state shipping, seller delivery for cottage food sellers.
Do I need a cottage food license or permit in Maine?
Yes. Maine requires license before selling cottage food. The listed cost is $20. Check the official state source before selling because local zoning, food safety training, or label rules may still apply.
What foods can I sell from home in Maine?
Maine's cottage food rules mainly cover foods that do not need time or temperature control for safety. Common no-go categories include tcs, meat, poultry, dairy, eggs.