Complete guide to North Carolina's cottage food laws: $50,000 per year annual limit, no registration required, and in-person sales only.
No permit, no registration, no inspection. But no online sales allowed and relatively low $50K limit.
Annual Sales Limit
$50,000 per year
Registration/Permit
No permit or registration required for cottage food in North Carolina.
Kitchen Inspection
No inspection required
Food Handler Certification
Not required
Online Sales
No — in-person sales only
Governing Agency
Every product you sell must include these on the label:
North Carolina allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with North Carolina Department of Agriculture.
North Carolina does not require food handler certification, but taking one builds customer trust and helps you follow best practices.
North Carolina does not require registration, permits, or licenses for cottage food operations. You can start selling immediately.
North Carolina requires specific label elements on every product. See the labeling requirements section above for the exact list.
Begin selling at approved venues in North Carolina. Track your sales to stay within the $50,000 per year annual limit.
Ask our AI assistant about North Carolina's specific cottage food requirements, labeling rules, and selling venues.
Chat with AI AssistantCottage food laws change frequently. This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements with North Carolina's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.