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
No license, registration, or inspection is required; cottage food operations are exempt from Michigan Food Law licensing. A voluntary registration through the MSU Product Center (one-time fee up to $50) lets you put a registration number on labels instead of your home address.
None required; MSU Extension offers a voluntary MDARD-funded online cottage food training.
Non-potentially hazardous foods made in your primary residence's kitchen: breads, cookies, shelf-stable pies, cakes, fruit jams and jellies in glass jars, vinegars, extracts, dry mixes, dried herbs, dried pasta, popcorn, granola, chocolate-covered pretzels, roasted coffee, dehydrated produce, and freeze-dried products made from shelf-stable foods.
Anything needing refrigeration or temperature control (custard pies, cheesecake, cream cheese frosting, garlic-in-oil, salad dressings, low-sugar jams, fruit butters), plus whole banned categories: beverages, dairy, meat, fish, canned or pickled products, ice products, supplements, CBD or cannabis foods, and pet treats.
Direct to consumer only, within Michigan: farmers markets, craft shows, fairs, and roadside stands are all fine, but consignment and wholesale are prohibited. As of March 24, 2026, internet and mail-order sales are allowed if the customer gets a chance to interact with you directly (face-to-face or a live two-way virtual meeting) before the sale, with delivery only within Michigan.
Annual sales cap: $50,000 per year, or $75,000 if you sell items priced $250+ per unit like large wedding cakes (raised from $25,000 by 2025 PA 51, effective March 24, 2026, with inflation adjustments possible from October 2026).
Products must be prepackaged and labeled with: business name and address (or MSU registration number alternative), product name, ingredients by weight, net weight or volume, federal allergen labeling, and the statement 'Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Michigan department of agriculture and rural development.' in at least 11-point contrasting font.
Generally no sales tax: Michigan exempts food for human consumption from its 6 percent sales tax, so packaged cottage foods are not taxable. Items sold heated or ready to eat on site can count as prepared food and become taxable.
The cottage food exemption does not override local ordinances; zoning rules and individual market vendor policies can still apply, so check with the municipality and event organizers.
Cottage foods remain subject to adulteration and misbranding standards; Food Law violations are generally misdemeanors with fines of $250 to $2,500, and exceeding the cap or selling prohibited foods means you need a food establishment license.
Selling non-food crafts too? See the Michigan craft fair permit and sales tax guide.
Yes, under Michigan Cottage Food Law (MCL 289.4102, amended by 2025 PA 51 effective March 24, 2026). No license, registration, or inspection is required; cottage food operations are exempt from Michigan Food Law licensing. A voluntary registration through the MSU Product Center (one-time fee up to $50) lets you put a registration number on labels instead of your home address.
Non-potentially hazardous foods made in your primary residence's kitchen: breads, cookies, shelf-stable pies, cakes, fruit jams and jellies in glass jars, vinegars, extracts, dry mixes, dried herbs, dried pasta, popcorn, granola, chocolate-covered pretzels, roasted coffee, dehydrated produce, and freeze-dried products made from shelf-stable foods. Anything needing refrigeration or temperature control (custard pies, cheesecake, cream cheese frosting, garlic-in-oil, salad dressings, low-sugar jams, fruit butters), plus whole banned categories: beverages, dairy, meat, fish, canned or pickled products, ice products, supplements, CBD or cannabis foods, and pet treats.
Yes: $50,000 per year, or $75,000 if you sell items priced $250+ per unit like large wedding cakes (raised from $25,000 by 2025 PA 51, effective March 24, 2026, with inflation adjustments possible from October 2026).
Direct to consumer only, within Michigan: farmers markets, craft shows, fairs, and roadside stands are all fine, but consignment and wholesale are prohibited. As of March 24, 2026, internet and mail-order sales are allowed if the customer gets a chance to interact with you directly (face-to-face or a live two-way virtual meeting) before the sale, with delivery only within Michigan.
Products must be prepackaged and labeled with: business name and address (or MSU registration number alternative), product name, ingredients by weight, net weight or volume, federal allergen labeling, and the statement 'Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Michigan department of agriculture and rural development.' in at least 11-point contrasting font.
Generally no sales tax: Michigan exempts food for human consumption from its 6 percent sales tax, so packaged cottage foods are not taxable. Items sold heated or ready to eat on site can count as prepared food and become taxable.
Browse upcoming craft fairs and markets in Michigan 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.