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
NoNoRegistration & permits
New Hampshire does not require state registration.
- Registration
Not required
- Labeling standard
Standard
- Inspection
None
- Food safety certification
Not required
- Address privacy
Not available
Food categories
What usually sits outside this cottage food lane.
- 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 lane. 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.
How does New Hampshire's dual-tier Homestead Food Operation work?
New Hampshire splits home food into two tiers under RSA 143-A:12 and RSA 143-A:5(VII). Unlicensed tier: under $20,000 annual gross, no registration, no fees, no inspection — but limited to your home, your own farm stand, farmers' markets, and retail food stores, with NO online sales or shipping allowed. Licensed tier: $150/year, unlimited revenue (cap removed in 2023 via HB 119), plus online sales, in-NH shipping, wholesale to restaurants and distributors, and mail order.
What does the licensed tier get me that the unlicensed tier doesn't?
Online sales, shipping within New Hampshire, wholesale to restaurants and distributors, and mail order. The $150/year fee unlocks all the digital and wholesale channels that are locked in the unlicensed tier. HB 119 (2023) removed the old licensed-tier revenue cap entirely.
Can I sell pickles or salsa in New Hampshire?
Yes, since HB 1565 (2024). Acidified foods like pickles and salsas were added to the allowed list, but they require a process review before you can sell them. Jams and jellies not using NCHFP-approved recipes, fruit butters (except pumpkin), and moist sweet breads also require process review.
What's SB 418 (the "Pickle Bill")?
SB 418 (2026) passed the NH Senate on a voice vote January 28, 2026 and was sent to the House. It would prevent municipalities from requiring licenses for homestead food operations that are state-exempt. It was triggered by Manchester issuing a cease-and-desist to Daniel Mowery, "The Pickle Guy." If it becomes law, it would preempt local interference with the unlicensed tier.
What are the labeling requirements?
Unlicensed tier labels must include: "This product is exempt from New Hampshire licensing and inspection" in 10-point type minimum. Licensed tier follows standard food-manufacturing label rules. Interstate sales are not allowed for either tier.
New Hampshire cottage food laws: what is the short version?
New Hampshire does not require state registration for the cottage food lane. 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 in New Hampshire?
Not for the cottage food lane in the current data. 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 lane is mainly for foods that do not need time or temperature control for safety. Common no-go categories include tcs, meat, poultry, fish, shellfish.