Why this matters
What New Hampshire actually allows — and what it doesn't.
New Hampshire operates a unique dual-tier "Homestead Food Operation" system under RSA 143-A:12 (Homestead Food License) and RSA 143-A:5(VII) (exemptions).
Two Tiers:
Unlicensed (under $20,000 annual gross sales): No registration, no fees, no inspection. Limited to sales at home, own farm stand, farmers markets, and retail food stores. Online sales and shipping prohibited
Licensed ($150/year, unlimited revenue): Allows online sales, shipping within NH, wholesale to restaurants/distributors, mail order. Removed revenue cap in 2023 (HB 119)
Annual revenue cap
$20,000 a year.
Annual gross cap
$20,000
Required label language
Every package carries a statutory disclaimer.
The disclaimer below must appear on every package, in the exact casing the statute specifies:
Required on every label
This product is exempt from New Hampshire licensing and inspection
— RSA 143-A:12 (Homestead Food License); RSA 143-A:5(VII) (exemptions); N.H. Admin. Code He-P 2310.01
Sales channels
Where you can sell in New Hampshire — and where you can't.
Online ordering
NoNoShipping
NoFederal restriction on uninspected food crossing state lines.
Seller delivery
NoNoThird-party delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats)
ConditionalConditionalInterstate sales
NoNoWholesale to retail stores
NoNoLicense, permit & registration
New Hampshire does not require state registration.
Do you need a cottage food license or permit in New Hampshire? For basic cottage foods, New Hampshire does not require a separate license or permit — but other rules can still apply.
- Registration
Not required
- Labeling standard
Standard
- Inspection
None
- Food safety certification
Not required
- Address privacy
Not available
Food categories
Foods the basic cottage food rules usually do not cover.
- Tcs
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Cut Produce
- Honey
- Maple Syrup
- Beverages
- Apple Cider
- Raw Sprouts
- Tofu
- Garlic In Oil
- Low Acid Canned Goods
- Dehydrated Fruits Vegetables Meats
How to start
Steps to a legal first sale in New Hampshire.
Confirm your products qualify
Compare your menu against New Hampshire'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.
Label every product correctly
Every label must include your name (or registered ID), product name, ingredients, allergens, and the statute-required disclaimer verbatim.
Frequently asked
New Hampshire cottage food — your questions answered.
Can you sell food out of your house in New Hampshire?
Yes, through a Homestead Food Operation. The unlicensed tier lets you sell shelf-stable foods directly up to $20,000 a year with no registration, fees, or inspection, limited to your home, farm stand, farmers markets, and retail food stores. The licensed tier costs $150 a year, dropped its revenue cap in 2023 under HB 119, and adds online sales, shipping within New Hampshire, mail order, and wholesale to restaurants and distributors.
What kind of food can I sell from home in New Hampshire?
The unlicensed Homestead tier excludes all TCS foods plus some surprises — honey, maple syrup, apple cider, beverages, raw sprouts, tofu, garlic-in-oil, and dehydrated fruits, vegetables, and meats. HB 1565 (2024) added acidified foods like pickles and salsa, though those need a process review, as do jams and jellies that don't use NCHFP-approved recipes, fruit butters other than pumpkin, and moist sweet breads.
What label does New Hampshire require on unlicensed homestead foods?
Unlicensed homestead products must carry the statement "This product is exempt from New Hampshire licensing and inspection" in at least 10-point type. If you sell through third-party retail on the unlicensed tier, the products must be on a separate display with signage.
What does New Hampshire's "Pickle Bill" (SB 418) do?
SB 418, the "Pickle Bill," passed the Senate on January 28, 2026, on a voice vote and was sent to the House. It would prevent municipalities from requiring licenses for homestead food operations that are exempt under state law.
New Hampshire cottage food laws: what is the short version?
New Hampshire does not require state registration for basic cottage food sales. The annual gross sales cap is $20,000. Direct in-person sales are the safest channel to confirm before taking online or delivery orders.
Do I need a cottage food license or permit in New Hampshire?
Not for the basic cottage food path, based on the state sources cited on this page. New Hampshire may still have label, food-category, local zoning, or other business rules, so check the official source before you sell.
What foods can I sell from home in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire'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, fish, shellfish.