Why this matters
What North Dakota actually allows — and what it doesn't.
North Dakota permits cottage food sales under N.D.C.C. Chapter 23-09.5 (Food Freedom Act, 2017); SB 2386 (2025, effective March 20, 2025). The statute sets no revenue cap on cottage food sales. No state registration is required; optional ID programs may be available for label privacy.
Annual revenue cap
North Dakota sets no cap on cottage food revenue.
Annual gross cap
Unlimited
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 made in a home kitchen that is not inspected by the state or local health department
— N.D.C.C. Chapter 23-09.5 (Food Freedom Act, 2017); SB 2386 (2025, effective March 20, 2025)
Sales channels
Where you can sell in North Dakota — and where you can't.
Online ordering
YesYesShipping
YesYesSeller delivery
YesYesThird-party delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats)
YesYesInterstate sales
YesYesWholesale to retail stores
NoNoRegistration & permits
North Dakota 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.
- Meat
- Wild Game
- Fish Commercial
- Seafood Commercial
- Wild Mushrooms
- Alcoholic Beverages
How to start
Steps to a legal first sale in North Dakota.
Confirm your products qualify
Compare your menu against North Dakota'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.
Start taking orders
North Dakota allows online orders, in-state shipping, seller delivery. Route orders through your own channels.
Frequently asked
North Dakota cottage food — your questions answered.
Do I need to register to sell cottage food in North Dakota?
No. The North Dakota Food Freedom Act under N.D.C.C. Chapter 23-09.5 (originally 2017, expanded by SB 2386 effective March 20, 2025) requires no registration, no permit, no inspection, and no food safety certification. There is no revenue cap.
What foods can't I sell?
Meat, wild game, commercial fish, commercial seafood, wild mushrooms, and alcoholic beverages. Compared to most states, this is a short prohibited list — home-based prepared-meal sellers have broad latitude under North Dakota's Food Freedom framework.
Can I ship out of state?
Yes. North Dakota is one of the few states that explicitly allows interstate shipping for home food sales, along with online ordering, in-state shipping, seller delivery, and third-party delivery. You must comply with the destination state's rules for any interstate sale.
What does my label need to say?
Producer information plus this disclaimer: "This product is made in a home kitchen that is not inspected by the state or local health department." There is no state-level address privacy mechanism.
North Dakota cottage food laws: what is the short version?
North Dakota does not require state registration for the cottage food lane. There is no state revenue cap in the current data. North Dakota allows online orders, in-state shipping, seller delivery for cottage food sellers in the current data.
Do I need a cottage food license in North Dakota?
Not for the cottage food lane in the current data. North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
North Dakota's cottage food lane is mainly for foods that do not need time or temperature control for safety. Common no-go categories include meat, wild game, fish commercial, seafood commercial, wild mushrooms.