Why this matters
What Washington actually allows — and what it doesn't.
Chapter 69.22 RCW, WAC 16-149; HB 1500 (2023) raised cap to $35,000 and extended permit to 2 years.
Annual revenue cap
$35,000 a year.
Annual gross cap
$35,000
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
Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Washington State Department of Agriculture
— Chapter 69.22 RCW; WAC 16-149; HB 1500 (2023)
Sales channels
Where you can sell in Washington — and where you can't.
Online ordering
YesYesShipping
NoFederal restriction on uninspected food crossing state lines.
Seller delivery
YesYesThird-party delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats)
ConditionalConditionalInterstate sales
NoNoWholesale to retail stores
NoNoRegistration & permits
Washington requires registration before you sell.
- Registration
Required
Type: permit
- Registration cost
$355
- Timeline
About 60 days
- Labeling standard
Standard
- Inspection
Required
- Food safety certification
Required
Type: food handler
- Address privacy
Not available
Food categories
What usually sits outside this cottage food lane.
- Tcs
- Meat
- Poultry
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Seafood
- Cut Produce
- Custard Pies
- Unbaked Pies
- Pumpkin Pies
- Cream Pies
- Canned Goods
- Fresh Fruits
- Fresh Vegetables
- Freeze Dried High Risk
- Pet Foods
How to start
Steps to a legal first sale in Washington.
Confirm your products qualify
Compare your menu against Washington'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.
Register with your state agency
Washington requires cottage food operators to register before selling. Registration cost is $355. Expect about 60 days for processing.
Washington registration portalComplete food safety certification
Washington requires food safety training before you can sell cottage food. Type: food handler.
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
Washington allows online orders, seller delivery. Route orders through your own channels.
Frequently asked
Washington cottage food — your questions answered.
What does it take to get started in Washington?
Washington has one of the most demanding cottage food entry processes. Under Chapter 69.22 RCW and WAC 16-149 (updated by HB 1500 in 2023), you need a Cottage Food Operation Permit ($355 for 2 years, includes initial inspection), a home inspection by the Washington State Department of Agriculture before your initial permit AND annually thereafter, a food worker card for every person preparing food, a master business license, and up to 60 days of application processing. If you fail your initial inspection, reinspection costs $125.
What's the revenue cap?
$35,000 per year, adjusted every 4 years for inflation. HB 1500 (2023) raised it to this level and extended the permit term to 2 years.
Can I ship my products?
No. The temporary COVID-era shipping exception ended, and shipping is now prohibited. Online ordering IS allowed, and you can do personal delivery, but you can't ship via USPS, FedEx, or UPS. Direct sales only — no wholesale, no restaurants, no retail stores.
What's included in the complex application?
Detailed business plan (floor plan, recipes, processing/packaging/cleaning/sanitation/production/sales procedures, child/pet management), individual product label approvals, private water supply testing (at least 60 days before permit, annually thereafter, if applicable), and signed consent for WSDA entry and inspection.
What can I sell?
Non-potentially hazardous baked goods, baked and stovetop candies, jams/jellies/preserves/fruit butters (per 21 CFR 150), and extracts like vanilla extract. Prohibited: anything requiring refrigeration, custard/unbaked/pumpkin/cream pies, foods containing fresh fruits or vegetables, canned/jarred produce, meat or fish products, pet foods, and freeze-dried high-risk foods. THC ≥0.3% is also prohibited. HB 2703 (introduced January 29, 2026) would expand the "nonpotentially hazardous" definition; it's in committee.
Washington cottage food laws: what is the short version?
Washington requires permit before selling cottage food. The listed cost is $355. The annual gross sales cap is $35,000. Washington allows online orders, seller delivery for cottage food sellers in the current data.
Do I need a cottage food permit in Washington?
Yes. Washington requires permit before selling cottage food. The listed cost is $355. 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 Washington?
Washington'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, dairy, eggs.