Cottage Food Laws in Washington (2026)
Complete guide to Washington's cottage food laws: $75,000 per year annual limit, registration required, and online sales allowed.
Food worker card (food handler cert) is required — available online for about $10.
Quick Facts for Washington
Annual Sales Limit
$75,000 per year
Registration/Permit
Required — Register with Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Kitchen Inspection
No inspection required
Food Handler Certification
Yes — food safety course required
Online Sales
Yes — online ordering allowed
Governing Agency
What You Can Sell in Washington
Allowed Products
- Baked goods
- Candy
- Jams and jellies
- Fruit butters
- Dried herbs
- Popcorn
- Granola
Not Allowed
- Foods requiring refrigeration
- Meat and dairy
- Canned goods
- Cannabis products
Where You Can Sell in Washington
Labeling Requirements in Washington
Every product you sell must include these on the label:
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Washington
Verify your products are allowed
Washington allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Complete required food safety training
Washington requires a food handler certification or food safety course. These are typically available online for $10-$30.
Register with your state
Register with Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Set up proper labeling
Washington requires specific label elements on every product. See the labeling requirements section above for the exact list.
Start selling
Begin selling at approved venues in Washington. Track your sales to stay within the $75,000 per year annual limit.
Need more help?
Ask our AI assistant about Washington'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 Washington's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.