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Washington Food Business Laws

pacific region · Pop. 7,812,880

Limited13 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 signalLimited
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

Workable

Washington allows up to $35,000/year (raised from $28,000). Permit required from WA State Dept of Agriculture (WSDA). Kitchen subject to WSDA inspection. Online ordering and payment are allowed, but the sale must be completed by in-person pickup or personal delivery by the permit holder within Washington — shipping by mail or courier is NOT allowed. Can sell direct-to-consumer AND through retail stores (must be stored/displayed separately). Non-TCS items only.

Revenue Cap
$35,000 / year

$35,000/year (raised from $28,000)

License
Required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

Canning & Preserves

Workable

Washington allows high-acid canned goods under cottage food up to $35,000/year. No permit required but pH testing mandatory. Online sales allowed. Low-acid canning prohibited.

Revenue Cap
$35,000 / year

$35,000/year gross revenue cap

License
Not required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Honey

Workable

Washington allows honey under cottage food up to $35,000/year. No permit or training required. Apiary registration required. Online sales allowed. Honey specifically listed as permitted.

Revenue Cap
$35,000 / year

$35,000/year gross revenue cap

License
Not required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Specialty Foods

Workable

Washington allows specialty dry goods under cottage food up to $35,000/year. No permit or training required. Dried herbs, spice blends, granola, and dry mixes permitted. Online sales allowed. Nut butters and infused oils prohibited.

Revenue Cap
$35,000 / year

$35,000/year gross revenue cap

License
Not required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Pet Treats

Workable

Washington requires commercial feed registration through the Department of Agriculture, Feeds Program. Annual license $75 plus $35 per product. Washington conducts regular feed inspections and lab testing. AAFCO compliance mandatory.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; regular inspections

License
Required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretail

Fermented Foods

Limited

Washington has partial allowance for fermented vegetables if properly acidified to pH < 4.6. Sauerkraut and fermented pickles may qualify under cottage food with pH testing. Kombucha and dairy ferments prohibited. Strong fermented food culture but cottage food law is restrictive.

Revenue Cap
$35,000 / year

$35,000/year if acidified vegetables qualify

License
Not required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Not allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Food Freedom Laws

Limited

Washington has no standalone Food Freedom Act. Homemade food sales are governed by Washington's cottage food law, which is moderately permissive (a $35,000/yr cap, registration/permit required). See the Cottage Food vertical for the full roadmap.

Revenue Cap
$35,000 / year

$35,000/year (raised from $28,000)

License
Required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Not allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Domestic Kitchen

Limited

Washington has no standalone domestic-kitchen / home-kitchen license tier. Home food production is governed by Washington's cottage food law, which is moderately permissive (a $35,000/yr cap, registration/permit required). See the Cottage Food vertical for the full roadmap.

Revenue Cap
$35,000 / year

$35,000/year (raised from $28,000)

License
Required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Not allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Farm Direct

Limited

Washington has no standalone farm-direct exemption. Farm value-added products are governed by Washington's cottage food law, which is moderately permissive (a $35,000/yr cap, registration/permit required). See the Cottage Food vertical for the full roadmap.

Revenue Cap
$35,000 / year

$35,000/year (raised from $28,000)

License
Required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Not allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Complete Pet Food

Limited

Washington requires commercial feed registration through the Department of Agriculture, Feeds Program. Annual license $75 plus $35 per product. Regular feed inspections and lab testing. Complete & balanced products must meet AAFCO nutritional adequacy profiles. Commercial facility required.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; regular inspections

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretail

Raw Pet Food

Limited

Washington requires commercial feed registration through the Department of Agriculture, Feeds Program. Raw pet food faces heightened scrutiny. Annual license $75 plus $35 per product. Regular inspections and lab testing with emphasis on pathogen controls. HACCP plan required for raw products.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; HACCP plan and pathogen testing required

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretail

Pet Supplements

Limited

Washington requires commercial feed registration for pet supplements through the Department of Agriculture, Feeds Program. Annual license $75 plus $35 per product. Regular inspections. Washington has an active hemp program — CBD pet supplements may be available.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; regular inspections

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretail

Pet Bakery

Limited

Washington requires commercial feed registration for pet bakery products through the Department of Agriculture, Feeds Program. Annual license $75 plus $35 per product. Regular inspections. No cottage exemption.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; regular inspections

License
Required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretail

Pet Food Regulations for Washington

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

View Details

Business Formation in Washington

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

LLC Filing Fee

$200

Annual Fee

$65

Processing Estimate

~4 days

DBA Fee

$5

  • • No state income tax
Secretary of State Website →Start Formation Wizard
Limited

Washington 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

Workable

Canning & Preserves

Workable

Honey

Workable

Specialty Foods

Workable

Pet Treats

Start Your Washington Food Business

Get your personalized compliance roadmap, startup cost estimate, and step-by-step launch guide.

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

direct-to-consumerfarmers-marketretail-stores (stored/displayed separately)online-instate

Recorded Products

cakes

snack mixes

caramels

jams/jellies/preserves

certain vinegars

baked goods

stovetop candies

fruit butters (per 21 CFR § 150)

Recorded Label Requirements

  • business name and permit number (home address no longer required)
  • ingredients in descending order by weight (including sub-ingredients)
  • allergen labeling per federal requirements
  • MADE IN A HOME KITCHEN NOT SUBJECT TO STANDARD INSPECTION CRITERIA disclaimer (11-pt+ type)

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts

Wash. Rev. Code § 69.22.040

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
  • pH testing required for acidified foods

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • net weight
  • nutrition facts

Wash. Rev. Code § 69.22.040

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
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

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • USDA grade
  • floral source
  • nutrition facts
  • allergens

Wash. Rev. Code § 69.22.040; Wash. Rev. Code § 15.60 (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

Wash. Rev. Code § 69.22.040

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online
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

RCW § 15.53.9001 et seq. (Washington Commercial Feed Law)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap

Recorded Products

fermented vegetables if acidified to pH < 4.6 (limited, requires pH testing documentation)

Recorded Label Requirements

  • producer name
  • address
  • ingredients
  • allergens
  • Made in a home kitchen disclaimer
  • net weight
  • pH test results documentation

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts
  • refrigeration instructions

Wash. Rev. Code § 69.22.040 (acidified vegetables may qualify with pH testing)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
retail-stores (stored/displayed separately)

Recorded Products

cakes

snack mixes

caramels

jams/jellies/preserves

certain vinegars

baked goods

stovetop candies

fruit butters (per 21 CFR § 150)

Recorded Label Requirements

  • business name and permit number (home address no longer required)
  • ingredients in descending order by weight (including sub-ingredients)
  • allergen labeling per federal requirements
  • MADE IN A HOME KITCHEN NOT SUBJECT TO STANDARD INSPECTION CRITERIA disclaimer (11-pt+ type)

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts

No dedicated Food Freedom Act; governed by Wash. Rev. Code § 69.22.040

Recorded review: June 18, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
retail-stores (stored/displayed separately)

Recorded Products

cakes

snack mixes

caramels

jams/jellies/preserves

certain vinegars

baked goods

stovetop candies

fruit butters (per 21 CFR § 150)

Recorded Label Requirements

  • business name and permit number (home address no longer required)
  • ingredients in descending order by weight (including sub-ingredients)
  • allergen labeling per federal requirements
  • MADE IN A HOME KITCHEN NOT SUBJECT TO STANDARD INSPECTION CRITERIA disclaimer (11-pt+ type)

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts

No dedicated domestic-kitchen / home-kitchen license tier; governed by Wash. Rev. Code § 69.22.040

Recorded review: June 18, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
retail-stores (stored/displayed separately)

Recorded Products

cakes

snack mixes

caramels

jams/jellies/preserves

certain vinegars

baked goods

stovetop candies

fruit butters (per 21 CFR § 150)

Recorded Label Requirements

  • business name and permit number (home address no longer required)
  • ingredients in descending order by weight (including sub-ingredients)
  • allergen labeling per federal requirements
  • MADE IN A HOME KITCHEN NOT SUBJECT TO STANDARD INSPECTION CRITERIA disclaimer (11-pt+ type)

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts

No dedicated farm-direct exemption; governed by Wash. Rev. Code § 69.22.040

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

RCW § 15.53.9001 et seq. (Washington Commercial Feed Law)

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

RCW § 15.53.9001 et seq. (Washington Commercial Feed Law)

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

hemp-derived CBD (under state program)

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

RCW § 15.53.9001 et seq. (Washington Commercial Feed Law)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online
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

RCW § 15.53.9001 et seq. (Washington Commercial Feed Law)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
Workable

Fermented Foods

Limited

Food Freedom Laws

Limited

Domestic Kitchen

Limited

Farm Direct

Limited

Complete Pet Food

Limited

Raw Pet Food

Limited

Pet Supplements

Limited

Pet Bakery

Limited

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