United States · NY
New York
Home Processor Exemption (Article 20-C)
At a glance
- Administering agency
- New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
Source: https://agriculture.ny.gov/food-safety/home-processors · Verified Sep 22, 2025
- Permit required
- Yes
Free Home Processor exemption from Article 20-C food processing license.
Source: NY Home Processor Exemption Application · Verified Sep 22, 2025
- License cost
- $0
Exemption application is free.
Source: https://agriculture.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/02/homeprocessor.pdf · Verified Sep 22, 2025
- Annual sales cap
- None
No statutory sales cap.
Source: https://agriculture.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/02/homeprocessor.pdf · Verified Sep 22, 2025
- Training required
- No
Source: https://agriculture.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/02/homeprocessor.pdf · Verified Sep 22, 2025
- Home inspection
- No
Inspections only triggered by complaints.
Source: https://agriculture.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/02/homeprocessor.pdf · Verified Sep 22, 2025
Permit details
- How it works
- Operators submit a Home Processor Exemption application. Once approved, no Article 20-C license is required and no home inspection occurs unless a complaint is filed.
Source: https://agriculture.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/02/homeprocessor.pdf · Verified Sep 22, 2025
Allowed foods
- Allowed
- Baked goods that do not require refrigeration (breads, cakes, cookies, brownies, fruit pies)
- Candy (excluding chocolate)
- Jams, jellies, marmalades made from high-acid fruits
- Snack items (popcorn, caramel corn, peanut brittle)
- Spices and herb blends
- Dry baking mixes
Source: https://agriculture.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/02/homeprocessor.pdf · Verified Sep 22, 2025
- Prohibited
- Meat, poultry, seafood
- Cream- or custard-filled baked goods, cheesecake
- Pumpkin and sweet potato pies
- Garlic-in-oil mixtures
- Pickles, sauces, salsa, low-acid canned goods
- Chocolate candies
- Dairy-based products
Source: https://agriculture.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/02/homeprocessor.pdf · Verified Sep 22, 2025
Labeling requirements
- On every package
- Common name of the product
- Net weight or volume
- Ingredient list in descending order by weight
- Allergen disclosure
- Name and address of the home processor
- Statement: "Not Inspected by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets."
Source: https://agriculture.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/02/homeprocessor.pdf · Verified Sep 22, 2025
Sales channels
- Where you can sell
- In person: Yes
- Farmers market: Yes
- Online (in-state): Yes
- Online (out-of-state shipping): No
- Delivery (in-state): Yes
- Retail / wholesale resale: No
- Direct-to-consumer sales within New York. Out-of-state shipping not authorized under the exemption.
Source: https://agriculture.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/02/homeprocessor.pdf · Verified Sep 22, 2025
Caveats
- New York City has additional Department of Health rules; consult local guidance.
- Acid-tested foods (e.g., pickles, salsa) require a 20-C license and are not covered by the exemption.
Official sources
- NY Department of Agriculture and Markets — Home Processors · agency page
- Home Processor Exemption Application (PDF) · official pdf
Page last reviewed: 2025-09-22