Washington runs one of the most hands-on cottage food programs in the country. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) issues a permit under RCW 69.22 and WAC 16-149. It inspects your kitchen before you start and approves each recipe. The trade-off for that paperwork is a clear, enforceable set of rules.
Costs and timeline
According to WSDA:
- Application fee: $355, covering a two-year permit. WSDA's page also mentions renewing annually, so check the current term on your application.
- Processing time: about 6–8 weeks, longer in busy seasons.
- Inspection: a WSDA inspector visits your kitchen before the permit is issued. A re-inspection costs $125.
- Products: up to 50 master products. Adding products later costs $105 per amendment.
- Also required: a Washington Food Worker Card for everyone who handles food, and a Washington Master Business License.
Sales cap
Gross sales can't exceed $35,000 a year.
Direct sales only, in person
Washington cottage food is sold directly to consumers: from your home, at farmers' markets, at craft fairs, and at community events. You can advertise and take orders online, but delivery and payment must be person to person. Shipping, mail, and courier delivery aren't allowed. So are wholesale, consignment, and sales to stores or restaurants. Sales must stay inside Washington.
Allowed and not allowed
WSDA publishes allowed and prohibited lists. Allowed items include:
- Baked goods that don't need refrigeration
- Candy and confections
- Jams and jellies made to WSDA's specifications
- Dried fruits and herbs
- Dry mixes and roasted coffee
- Vanilla extract, which WSDA allows
Frosting must be shelf-stable. WSDA's guidance uses a sugar-to-fat ratio rule of at least 3:1 for buttercream-style frostings.
Prohibited items include:
- Canned or pickled products, other than WSDA-approved jams
- Meat products
- Beverages
- Anything that needs refrigeration
The Washington label
WSDA requires these elements:
1. Business name and permit number. No street address is required. 2. The product name 3. Ingredients in descending order by weight, including sub-ingredients 4. Net weight or volume 5. Allergens under federal rules 6. This statement, in at least 11-point type: "MADE IN A HOME KITCHEN THAT HAS NOT BEEN SUBJECT TO STANDARD INSPECTION CRITERIA"
Products containing alcohol, such as rum cake or vanilla extract, need an additional statement about the alcohol. Use WSDA's exact wording from the label guidance.
Getting the application right the first time
Most delays come from incomplete applications, so send a complete one:
- A recipe for every master product
- A draft label for each product
- A sketch of your kitchen and storage areas
- Proof of your Food Worker Card
Group similar items, such as several cookie flavors, under one master product where WSDA allows it. That way you won't use up your 50-product limit or pay for amendments later. Once your permit arrives, keep a copy where you sell. Market managers often ask to see it.
Nutrition Facts
Washington's cottage food rules don't require a Nutrition Facts panel. WSDA reviews your labels during the permit process, so it's the best place to ask whether a claim like "low sugar" or "high fiber" would change that. Under federal rules, it would. For products with many vitamins and minerals, the side-by-side micronutrient format keeps a tall panel short.
Official source
Washington State Department of Agriculture — Cottage Food Operations. Rules: WAC 16-149; statute: RCW 69.22.
Label formats for Washington
Washington cottage food questions
How much is a Washington cottage food permit?
WSDA charges a $355 application fee for a two-year permit. Re-inspections cost $125, and product amendments cost $105.
What is the Washington cottage food sales limit?
$35,000 in gross annual sales.
Can I ship Washington cottage food?
No. Orders can be taken online, but delivery and payment must be person to person.
Do I need my home address on the label?
No. Washington requires your business name and permit number instead.