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, the strictest regime in the country: a WSDA Cottage Food Operation Permit before selling anything. The application requires a kitchen floor plan, a product list (up to 50 products) with every label, your business license, water proof (well users need testing), and consent for home entry; WSDA inspects your kitchen before issuing. The fee is $355 for a two-year permit (changed from annual by HB 1500 in 2023), and processing takes 6 to 8 weeks.
Yes: everyone involved in preparing products needs a valid Washington Food Worker Card (about $10, online course).
Only items on the WSDA approved list: low-risk baked goods, stove-top candies with thermometer control (brittles, toffees, hard candy), jams, jellies, and fruit butters meeting FDA standards, repackaged dry herbs and mixes, and rebottled vinegars. Anything not on the list needs WSDA approval first.
Anything refrigerated or potentially hazardous: meat and jerky, dairy, canned fruits and vegetables, salsas, pickles, cream or custard pies, cream cheese frostings, cut fresh produce, juices, garlic in oil, barbecue sauces, and all beverages.
Direct to consumer only, within Washington: farmers markets, craft fairs, festivals, and from home. Online and phone orders are fine, but the product must be handed over in person; shipping, mail order, out-of-state sales, and wholesale are all prohibited.
Annual sales cap: $35,000 per year (raised from $25,000 in 2023; WSDA reviews the cap every four years against Seattle-area CPI).
WSDA reviews and approves your labels as part of the permit. Each label needs: operation name, WSDA permit number, product name, ingredients by weight with sub-ingredients, allergen declarations, net weight, and 'Made in a home kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria' in at least 11-point contrasting type, plus an alcohol-content statement if any ingredient contains alcohol.
Most packaged cottage foods including baked goods, jams, and even candy are exempt from Washington sales tax (the 2010 candy tax was repealed by Initiative 1107). Prepared food with utensils or sold heated is taxable. B&O tax on gross receipts applies separately, though small operations often owe little after the small business credit.
The WSDA permit does not override local rules: you need a Washington business license, possibly city endorsements, and zoning or HOA clearance for home businesses. Market organizers will ask to see your WSDA permit.
Operating without a permit is a misdemeanor (gross misdemeanor for repeats within five years), with civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation per day.
Selling non-food crafts too? See the Washington craft fair permit and sales tax guide.
Yes, under Cottage Food Operations law (RCW Ch. 69.22, updated by HB 1500 in 2023). Yes, the strictest regime in the country: a WSDA Cottage Food Operation Permit before selling anything. The application requires a kitchen floor plan, a product list (up to 50 products) with every label, your business license, water proof (well users need testing), and consent for home entry; WSDA inspects your kitchen before issuing. The fee is $355 for a two-year permit (changed from annual by HB 1500 in 2023), and processing takes 6 to 8 weeks.
Only items on the WSDA approved list: low-risk baked goods, stove-top candies with thermometer control (brittles, toffees, hard candy), jams, jellies, and fruit butters meeting FDA standards, repackaged dry herbs and mixes, and rebottled vinegars. Anything not on the list needs WSDA approval first. Anything refrigerated or potentially hazardous: meat and jerky, dairy, canned fruits and vegetables, salsas, pickles, cream or custard pies, cream cheese frostings, cut fresh produce, juices, garlic in oil, barbecue sauces, and all beverages.
Yes: $35,000 per year (raised from $25,000 in 2023; WSDA reviews the cap every four years against Seattle-area CPI).
Direct to consumer only, within Washington: farmers markets, craft fairs, festivals, and from home. Online and phone orders are fine, but the product must be handed over in person; shipping, mail order, out-of-state sales, and wholesale are all prohibited.
WSDA reviews and approves your labels as part of the permit. Each label needs: operation name, WSDA permit number, product name, ingredients by weight with sub-ingredients, allergen declarations, net weight, and 'Made in a home kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria' in at least 11-point contrasting type, plus an alcohol-content statement if any ingredient contains alcohol.
Most packaged cottage foods including baked goods, jams, and even candy are exempt from Washington sales tax (the 2010 candy tax was repealed by Initiative 1107). Prepared food with utensils or sold heated is taxable. B&O tax on gross receipts applies separately, though small operations often owe little after the small business credit.
Browse upcoming craft fairs and markets in Washington 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.