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
Prohibited categories
What you can't sell under cottage food rules.
- 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
Verify your menu fits Washington'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
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.