Can you sell food from home in Washington DC?

Washington DC has a cottage food law that lets you sell certain non-perishable foods made in a home kitchen, but it is a moderate state: Workable, but expect registration, training, a sales cap, or labeling rules. Typical requirements: Registration required. Sales limit: Has limits — see source. This is general information, not legal advice — confirm the current rules and figures with DC Dept. of Health.

What can't you sell under Washington DC cottage food law?

Foods that need refrigeration (cheesecakes, cream pies, fresh dairy/salsa), meat and poultry, seafood, and low-acid canned goods are generally not allowed under cottage food law in Washington DC.

Cottage food laws · Washington DC

Cottage food law

Selling food from home in Washington DC

Washington DC is a moderate state for cottage food. Workable, but expect registration, training, a sales cap, or labeling rules. Here's what you can sell, the limits, and how to do it legally — then check your exact food below.

Sales limitHas limits — see source

Permit / trainingRegistration required

Where you can sellDirect, markets

Shipping / deliveryIn-district

Check your specific food in Washington DC

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Informational guidance only — not legal advice. Always confirm with your state before selling.

Pick a food and your state for a general read on cottage-food rules — what's typically allowed, the sales limit, permits, and where you can sell — with a link to your state's official source.

What you can & can't sell

Baked goods (cookies, breads, muffins)Generally allowed

Cakes & cupcakes (non-refrigerated icing)Generally allowed

Candy & chocolateGenerally allowed

Jams, jellies & fruit preservesGenerally allowed

Dried herbs, spices, teas & seasoningsGenerally allowed

Granola, cereal, popcorn & trail mixGenerally allowed

Roasted coffee & roasted nutsGenerally allowed

Honey & honey productsDepends on the state

Pickles & acidified foodsDepends on the state

Cheesecake, cream pies, custards (need refrigeration)Usually restricted

Dairy, cheese & fresh salsaUsually restricted

Meat, poultry & jerkyGenerally not allowed

Fish & seafoodGenerally not allowed

Home-canned vegetables / low-acid canningGenerally not allowed

ℹ️ Informational only — not legal advice. Reviewed June 2026. Cottage food laws change and have local nuances. Confirm with the official source before selling: DC Dept. of Health ↗

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