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District of Columbia

Last verified January 2025
Permit required

Washington, DC allows cottage food operations with a permit from the Department of Health.

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Gross sales limit

Confirm with the DC Dept. of Health.

What you can sell

  • Baked goods
  • Jams and jellies
  • Candy
  • Dried fruits and nuts
  • Granola and popcorn

What you can't sell

Meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, and potentially hazardous foods.

Where you can sell

Direct to consumer at farmers markets and from home.

Labeling requirements

Producer name and address, ingredients, allergen statement, and 'Made in a home kitchen.'

Permits & registration

Cottage food permit required from the DC Dept. of Health.
Official source

Printable permit guides

Download a ready-to-print guide for District of Columbia — take it to your inspector, keep it on file, or share it.

In-depth guide

A step-by-step permit pathway, sales-channel breakdown, and labeling checklist for District of Columbia.

In-depth guide for District of Columbia

Unlock a step-by-step permit pathway, sales-channel breakdown, and labeling checklist with Premium.

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New to selling?Read our labeling and food safety guide before your first sale.

Compare with another state

See how this state's cottage food rules stack up against any other.

Get notified when District of Columbia cottage food laws change

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Reference only. Laws change — always confirm with your state's agriculture or health department.

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