Why this matters
What Massachusetts actually allows — and what it doesn't.
105 CMR 590 (Massachusetts Food Code); state does not use term "cottage food law" but regulates through Residential Kitchen framework established 2000
Annual revenue cap
Massachusetts sets no cap on cottage food revenue.
Annual gross cap
Unlimited
Sales channels
Where you can sell in Massachusetts — and where you can't.
Online ordering
YesYesShipping
YesYesSeller delivery
YesYesThird-party delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats)
ConditionalConditionalInterstate sales
NoNoWholesale to retail stores
NoNoRegistration & permits
Massachusetts requires registration before you sell.
- Registration
Required
Type: local permit
- Registration cost
$150
- 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 Filled Pastries
- Cheesecake
- Custard Pies
- Cream Pies
- Acidified Foods
- Fermented Foods
- Low Acid Canned Goods
- Hot Fill Processes
- Vacuum Sealing
- Curing
- Smoking
How to start
Steps to a legal first sale in Massachusetts.
Confirm your products qualify
Verify your menu fits Massachusetts'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
Massachusetts requires cottage food operators to register before selling. Registration cost is $150. Expect about 30 days for processing.
Label every product correctly
Every label must include your name (or registered ID), product name, ingredients, and allergens per Massachusetts rules.
Start taking orders
Massachusetts allows online orders, in-state shipping, seller delivery. Route orders through your own channels.