This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Permit and tax rules change, and your situation may differ. Always confirm current requirements with the official state agency linked in this guide, and consult a licensed attorney or tax professional for advice about your specific business.Last verified against official state sources: 2026-06-11
Yes, two tiers through your county Environmental Health Department: Class A (direct sales only, self-certification, no routine home inspection) and Class B (adds indirect sales through restaurants and shops, requires an initial county inspection). Both renew annually, and one county's registration is valid statewide. Fees vary widely by county; San Diego County charges $231 initial/$92 renewal for Class A and $526/$361 for Class B.
Yes: a CDPH-approved food processor course within three months of registering, retaken every three years.
Only categories on the CDPH Approved Cottage Foods List: baked goods without cream, custard, or meat fillings; candy and confections; dried and freeze-dried foods; eggless frostings and fondants; honey; compliant fruit jams and jellies; roasted nuts and nut butters; powdered drink bases; vinegars and plain mustards.
Anything not on the approved list, especially refrigerated foods: no cheesecake, pumpkin pie, vegetable jams, canned or pickled vegetables, fermented foods, salsas, juices, jerky, or dairy.
Direct sales statewide for both classes: farmers markets, bazaars, temporary events, and from home, with orders by phone or internet fulfilled in person, by mail delivery, or by third-party delivery, but only within California. Class B adds indirect sales through permitted retailers like restaurants and food markets. No out-of-state shipping.
Annual sales cap: $88,878 (Class A) and $177,756 (Class B) for 2026; the statutory $75,000/$150,000 caps adjust annually for inflation.
Labels need 'Made in a Home Kitchen' in 12-point type, the product's common name, your operation's name, city, and zip, the registration or permit number and issuing county, ingredients by weight, net quantity in English and metric, and plain-language allergen declarations.
California generally exempts food products, so cold baked goods, candy, and jams sold to go are usually not taxable. Hot prepared food, on-site consumption with seating, and all sales at events that charge admission ARE taxable, so many vendors carry a CDTFA seller's permit anyway.
Counties administer the program, and state law (Government Code 51035) bars cities and counties from prohibiting cottage food operations in residential homes; they can only impose reasonable traffic and noise standards. Check your city for business license or home occupation requirements.
Violations are misdemeanors with fines of $25 to $1,000 and possible registration suspension; counties can inspect a Class A kitchen on consumer complaint.
Selling non-food crafts too? See the California craft fair permit and sales tax guide.
Yes, under California Homemade Food Act (Cottage Food Operations, Health and Safety Code 113758 and 114365, updated by AB 1144). Yes, two tiers through your county Environmental Health Department: Class A (direct sales only, self-certification, no routine home inspection) and Class B (adds indirect sales through restaurants and shops, requires an initial county inspection). Both renew annually, and one county's registration is valid statewide. Fees vary widely by county; San Diego County charges $231 initial/$92 renewal for Class A and $526/$361 for Class B.
Only categories on the CDPH Approved Cottage Foods List: baked goods without cream, custard, or meat fillings; candy and confections; dried and freeze-dried foods; eggless frostings and fondants; honey; compliant fruit jams and jellies; roasted nuts and nut butters; powdered drink bases; vinegars and plain mustards. Anything not on the approved list, especially refrigerated foods: no cheesecake, pumpkin pie, vegetable jams, canned or pickled vegetables, fermented foods, salsas, juices, jerky, or dairy.
Yes: $88,878 (Class A) and $177,756 (Class B) for 2026; the statutory $75,000/$150,000 caps adjust annually for inflation.
Direct sales statewide for both classes: farmers markets, bazaars, temporary events, and from home, with orders by phone or internet fulfilled in person, by mail delivery, or by third-party delivery, but only within California. Class B adds indirect sales through permitted retailers like restaurants and food markets. No out-of-state shipping.
Labels need 'Made in a Home Kitchen' in 12-point type, the product's common name, your operation's name, city, and zip, the registration or permit number and issuing county, ingredients by weight, net quantity in English and metric, and plain-language allergen declarations.
California generally exempts food products, so cold baked goods, candy, and jams sold to go are usually not taxable. Hot prepared food, on-site consumption with seating, and all sales at events that charge admission ARE taxable, so many vendors carry a CDTFA seller's permit anyway.
Browse upcoming craft fairs and markets in California with booth fees and application deadlines, and use the booth ROI calculator to plan a profitable season.
Last verified: 2026-06-11. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.