Cottage Food Law /US
A structured reference to state cottage food rules

United States · NY

New York

Home Processor Exemption (Article 20-C)

Informational only — not legal advice. Verify every requirement with the official agency cited below before producing or selling food.

At a glance

Administering agency
New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM), Division of Food Safety and Inspection

Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing · Verified Sep 15, 2026

Permit required
Yes

A free Home Processor Registration exempts the operation from Article 20-C licensing.

Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing · Verified Sep 15, 2026

License cost
$0

AGM states there is currently no fee for Home Processor Registration.

Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing · Verified Sep 15, 2026

Annual sales cap
No cap

AGM's home processing guidance lists no sales limit.

Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing · Verified Sep 15, 2026

Training required
No

AGM's registration requirements list no training.

Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing · Verified Sep 15, 2026

Home inspection
No

Kitchens are reviewed on a complaint basis only.

Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing · Verified Sep 15, 2026

Permit details

How it works
Submit a Home Processor Registration Request to AGM. Homes on a private well must include a certified lab water test (total coliform and E. coli). Registration is location-specific — moving means reapplying — and does not currently expire. AGM advises allowing up to 16 weeks for review. Kitchens are reviewed on a complaint basis only.

Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing · Verified Sep 15, 2026

Allowed foods

Allowed
  • Breads, rolls, biscuits, bagels, muffins, and scones (high-acid or commercially dried fruit and herbs OK; no vegetables)
  • Doughnuts (no cream fillings), cookies, baklava, biscotti, brownies
  • Cakes and cupcakes (no homemade buttercream or cream cheese frostings)
  • Double-crust fruit pies
  • Fruit jams, jellies, and marmalades made with high-acid fruits
  • Repacking or blending commercially dried spices or herbs; seasoning salt
  • Repackaging dried vegetables, dried soup mixes, and dried fruit
  • Repackaging and blending dry ingredients for baking mixes
  • Fudge, popcorn and caramel corn, Rice Krispies treats
  • Peanut brittle, granola, trail mix, and granola bars (commercially roasted nuts)
  • Waffle cones and pizzelle; toffee or caramel apples (no chocolate or candy melts)
  • Sugar confections (toffees, caramels, hard candies)
  • Vegetable and potato chips, crackers, pretzels

Any finished product that requires refrigeration is prohibited.

Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing (Approved Home Processed Foods) · Verified Sep 15, 2026

Prohibited
  • Homemade buttercream or cream cheese frosting containing dairy or eggs
  • Breads containing vegetables
  • Products containing alcohol
  • "No-bake" products
  • Pickles, relishes, jalapeños, sauerkraut
  • Sauces, salsas, marinades, mustards, ketchups, vinegars
  • Pepper, wine, vegetable, or flower jellies; chutneys; fruit or simple syrups
  • Cooked or canned fruits or vegetables
  • Vegetable oils, blended oils, salad dressings
  • Cheesecake, cream-filled pastries, cream pies, meringue pies
  • Single-crust, custard, nut, or meat pies
  • Tempered chocolate or candy melts for dipping or coating (e.g., cocoa bombs, chocolate candy, chocolate-covered fruit)
  • Products containing raw nuts; nut butters
  • Cheese, yogurt, fluid dairy products, butters
  • Meat, fish, or poultry products
  • Beverages; roasting or grinding coffee beans
  • Freeze-dried foods, compotes, spreads, quiche, fudge or caramel sauces

AGM's list is examples only ("include, but are not limited to").

Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing (Prohibited Foods) · Verified Sep 15, 2026

Labeling requirements

On every package
  • Common or usual name of the product
  • Ingredient list in order of predominance by weight
  • Net quantity of contents
  • Processor name and full address
  • All major allergens (eggs, milk, fish, shellfish, soybeans, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, sesame) clearly identified in the ingredient statement
  • Recommended: a phrase such as "Made in a Home Kitchen" in type at least 1/16 inch

Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing (Labeling) · Verified Sep 15, 2026

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: Yes
  • Wholesale and retail sales within New York only — farms, farm stands, farmers' and green markets, craft fairs, flea markets, home delivery, and the internet. Wholesale to restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores is allowed. Products must be pre-packaged and labeled at home. No out-of-state sales or shipping.

Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing · Verified Sep 15, 2026

Caveats

  • Honey and maple syrup from your own production are covered by a separate AGM exemption, not the Home Processor exemption.
  • AGM advises checking with local zoning officials before starting a home-based business.

Official sources

Page last reviewed: 2026-09-15

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