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South Carolina Food Business Laws

southeast region · Pop. 5,373,555

Workable13 published categoriesLatest recorded review: June 19, 2026

Recorded review dates for 13 of 13 published categories. A review date is not a guarantee that requirements are current.

Published-category signalWorkable
Informational Only: This information is compiled from public sources for educational purposes and may not reflect the most recent changes. Verify all requirements with your state's regulatory agency before starting or operating a food business. This is not legal advice.

Cottage Food

Advantaged

South Carolina has no revenue cap (previously $15,000, removed). No license or permit required. No inspection. Can sell direct-to-consumer AND wholesale to retail stores. The 2022 amendment (S.506, eff. May 23, 2022) added online/internet and mail-order sales — these are allowed but, like all sales under the law, only to addresses within South Carolina. Non-potentially hazardous foods only.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap (previously $15,000, removed)

License
Not required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumer

Canning & Preserves

Limited

South Carolina allows high-acid canned goods under cottage food with no revenue cap. No permit required. pH testing required. Online sales allowed. Low-acid canning prohibited.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap (removed)

License
Not required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Honey

Workable

South Carolina offers two separate pathways (choose one, not both): (1) RVC Exemption for pure honey producers up to 400 gallons (4,800 lbs)/year — exempt from inspections and food establishment requirements, or (2) Cottage food pathway. Infused/creamed honey does NOT qualify for RVC. Selling to retail stores requires full SCDA registration and honey house inspection.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap (removed)

License
Not required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumer

Specialty Foods

Workable

South Carolina allows specialty dry goods under cottage food with no revenue cap. Permit and food safety training required. Dried herbs, spice blends, and dry mixes permitted. Online sales allowed. Nut butters and infused oils prohibited.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap (removed)

License
Not required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Pet Treats

Workable

South Carolina requires commercial feed registration through Clemson University Dept. of Pesticide Regulation (which also handles feed). Annual license $35 plus $20 per product. Moderate fees and efficient process. AAFCO compliance required.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; moderate fees

License
Required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretail

Fermented Foods

Limited

South Carolina does not permit fermented foods under its cottage food law. All fermented products are considered potentially hazardous. Commercial food processing license required.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap (removed)

License
Not required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Not allowed

Recorded Label Requirements

  • N/A — fermented foods not permitted under cottage food

Food Freedom Laws

Workable

South Carolina has no standalone Food Freedom Act. Homemade food sales are governed by South Carolina's cottage food law, which is permissive (no revenue cap, no license required). See the Cottage Food vertical for the full roadmap.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap (previously $15,000, removed)

License
Not required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Not allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Domestic Kitchen

Workable

South Carolina has no standalone domestic-kitchen / home-kitchen license tier. Home food production is governed by South Carolina's cottage food law, which is permissive (no revenue cap, no license required). See the Cottage Food vertical for the full roadmap.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap (previously $15,000, removed)

License
Not required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Not allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Farm Direct

Workable

South Carolina has no standalone farm-direct exemption. Farm value-added products are governed by South Carolina's cottage food law, which is permissive (no revenue cap, no license required). See the Cottage Food vertical for the full roadmap.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap (previously $15,000, removed)

License
Not required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Not allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Complete Pet Food

Limited

South Carolina requires commercial feed registration through Clemson University Dept. of Pesticide Regulation (which also handles feed). Annual license $35 plus $20 per product. Moderate fees and efficient process. Complete & balanced products must meet AAFCO nutritional adequacy profiles.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; moderate fees

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretail

Raw Pet Food

Limited

South Carolina requires commercial feed registration through Clemson University. Raw pet food requires pathogen testing and commercial facility. Annual license $35 plus $20 per product. Moderate fees with standard raw product requirements.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; pathogen testing required

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretail

Pet Supplements

Workable

South Carolina requires commercial feed registration for pet supplements through Clemson University. Annual license $35 plus $20 per product. Moderate fees. Supplements regulated as animal feed.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; moderate fees

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretail

Pet Bakery

Workable

South Carolina requires commercial feed registration for pet bakery products through Clemson University. Annual license $35 plus $20 per product. Moderate fees and efficient process.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; moderate fees

License
Required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretailonline

Pet Food Regulations for South Carolina

Commercial feed licensing, AAFCO compliance, fees, and feed control official contact

View Details

Business Formation in South Carolina

Review business-formation options and the recorded fees for South Carolina. Confirm current fees and obligations with the state filing office; forming an entity does not guarantee asset protection.

LLC Filing Fee

$110

Annual Fee

$0

Processing Estimate

~4 days

DBA Fee

$0

  • • No ongoing state fees for standard LLCs
Secretary of State Website →Start Formation Wizard
Workable

South Carolina Public Signal

13 of 13 published categories assessed. An overall band requires every published category to be assessed.

Revenue-cap periods follow normalized display labels, not verified legal reset rules. Missing or unrecognized periods display as annual; confirm the applicable period with the regulator.

Cottage Food

Advantaged

Canning & Preserves

Limited

Honey

Workable

Specialty Foods

Workable

Pet Treats

Start Your South Carolina Food Business

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© 2026 Cottage Launchpad. All rights reserved.

This is informational guidance, not legal advice. Always verify requirements with your state regulatory agency before selling food products.

farmers-market
from-home
wholesale-to-retail-stores
online-instate
instate-shipping

Recorded Products

baked goods (without cream fillings)

candies

cookies

breads

jams

Recorded Label Requirements

  • producer name and home address (or SCDA ID number)
  • allergen statement
  • HOME-BASED FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATION NOT SUBJECT TO SC FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS disclaimer (all caps, high-contrast)

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts (required if health/nutrient claims made)

S.C. Code Ann. § 39-25-10

Recorded review: June 19, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online-instate

Recorded Products

jams

jellies

fruit butter

apple butter

fruit preserves

pickles (high-acid/acidified)

salsa (acidified)

chutney

Recorded Label Requirements

  • producer name
  • address
  • ingredients
  • allergens
  • Made in a home kitchen disclaimer
  • net weight
  • pH testing required for acidified foods

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts

S.C. Code Ann. § 39-25-10

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
farmers-market
online-instate

Recorded Products

raw honey

filtered honey

creamed honey

comb honey

infused honey

beeswax products

Recorded Label Requirements

  • producer name
  • address
  • product name (honey)
  • net weight
  • ingredients (if infused)
  • allergens
  • Made in a home kitchen disclaimer

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • USDA grade
  • floral source
  • nutrition facts

S.C. Code Ann. § 39-25-10; S.C. Code Ann. § 44-53-70 (Apiary)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online-instate

Recorded Products

dried herbs

spice blends

tea blends

dry mixes

seasoning packets

granola

trail mix

dried pasta

flavored salts

Recorded Label Requirements

  • producer name
  • address
  • ingredients
  • allergens
  • Made in a home kitchen disclaimer
  • net weight

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts

S.C. Code Ann. § 39-25-10

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online
farmers-market
direct-to-consumer

Recorded Products

dog treats

cat treats

pet food

pet snacks

biscuits

chews

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name
  • species designation
  • guaranteed analysis
  • ingredient list (AAFCO names)
  • net weight
  • manufacturer name and address
  • nutritional adequacy statement or treat designation

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • calorie content
  • feeding directions

S.C. Code Ann. § 46-41-10 et seq. (South Carolina Commercial Feed Act)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap

S.C. Code Ann. § 39-25-10 (fermented foods not listed as permitted)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
from-home
wholesale-to-retail-stores

Recorded Products

baked goods (without cream fillings)

candies

cookies

breads

jams

Recorded Label Requirements

  • producer name and home address (or SCDA ID number)
  • allergen statement
  • HOME-BASED FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATION NOT SUBJECT TO SC FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS disclaimer (all caps, high-contrast)

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts (required if health/nutrient claims made)

No dedicated Food Freedom Act; governed by S.C. Code Ann. § 39-25-10

Recorded review: June 18, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
from-home
wholesale-to-retail-stores

Recorded Products

baked goods (without cream fillings)

candies

cookies

breads

jams

Recorded Label Requirements

  • producer name and home address (or SCDA ID number)
  • allergen statement
  • HOME-BASED FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATION NOT SUBJECT TO SC FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS disclaimer (all caps, high-contrast)

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts (required if health/nutrient claims made)

No dedicated domestic-kitchen / home-kitchen license tier; governed by S.C. Code Ann. § 39-25-10

Recorded review: June 18, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
from-home
wholesale-to-retail-stores

Recorded Products

baked goods (without cream fillings)

candies

cookies

breads

jams

Recorded Label Requirements

  • producer name and home address (or SCDA ID number)
  • allergen statement
  • HOME-BASED FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATION NOT SUBJECT TO SC FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS disclaimer (all caps, high-contrast)

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts (required if health/nutrient claims made)

No dedicated farm-direct exemption; governed by S.C. Code Ann. § 39-25-10

Recorded review: June 18, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online
direct-to-consumer

Recorded Products

dry kibble

wet/canned food

semi-moist food

fresh refrigerated food

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name with species designator
  • guaranteed analysis (crude protein min, crude fat min, crude fiber max, moisture max)
  • ingredient list using AAFCO-defined names in descending order by weight
  • nutritional adequacy statement (formulation or feeding trial method)
  • feeding directions
  • net weight
  • manufacturer name and address

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • calorie content
  • AAFCO feeding trial statement
  • life stage designation

S.C. Code Ann. § 46-41-10 et seq. (South Carolina Commercial Feed Act)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online

Recorded Products

raw frozen pet food

freeze-dried raw

dehydrated raw

raw bones

raw meaty bones

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name with species designator
  • guaranteed analysis (crude protein min, crude fat min, crude fiber max, moisture max)
  • ingredient list using AAFCO-defined names
  • nutritional adequacy statement or treat designation
  • safe handling instructions
  • storage and temperature requirements
  • net weight
  • manufacturer name and address

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • calorie content
  • feeding directions

S.C. Code Ann. § 46-41-10 et seq. (South Carolina Commercial Feed Act)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online
direct-to-consumer

Recorded Products

joint supplements (glucosamine/chondroitin)

probiotics

omega fatty acids

vitamins

minerals

digestive enzymes

calming supplements

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name with species designator
  • guaranteed analysis
  • ingredient list using AAFCO-defined names
  • directions for use/dosage
  • net weight
  • manufacturer name and address
  • intended use statement

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • NASC quality seal
  • calorie content
  • caution/warning statements

S.C. Code Ann. § 46-41-10 et seq. (South Carolina Commercial Feed Act)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
farmers-market
direct-to-consumer

Recorded Products

baked dog biscuits

pet birthday cakes

frozen yogurt treats

peanut butter cookies

pumpkin treats

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name
  • species designation
  • ingredient list using AAFCO-defined names
  • treat/snack designation
  • net weight
  • manufacturer name and address

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • guaranteed analysis
  • calorie content
  • feeding directions

S.C. Code Ann. § 46-41-10 et seq. (South Carolina Commercial Feed Act)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
Workable

Fermented Foods

Limited

Food Freedom Laws

Workable

Domestic Kitchen

Workable

Farm Direct

Workable

Complete Pet Food

Limited

Raw Pet Food

Limited

Pet Supplements

Workable

Pet Bakery

Workable

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