Cottage Food Laws in Maryland
moderateComplete guide to cottage food and bakery regulations in Maryland. Updated for 2026.
General information, not legal advice. Cottage food laws change frequently — verify with the official source before launching your business. Report an error. Last verified: August 2026.
| Annual Sales Limit | $50,000 per year (rises to $100,000 on October 1, 2026 — HB 535) |
| License Required | No — No license required but must register with the local health department. |
| Kitchen Inspection | No kitchen inspection required. |
| Online Sales | Not allowed — Online sales are not explicitly authorized. Sales should be direct to consumer. |
Allowed Products
- Baked goods
- Candy
- Jams and jellies
- Dry mixes
- Honey
Prohibited Products
- Cream-filled pastries
- Meat products
- Dairy products
- Canned low-acid foods
Labeling Requirements
- Name and address of the producer
- Name of the product
- Ingredients list
- "Made in a home kitchen that is not subject to state food service facility regulations"
Where You Can Sell
- Farmers markets
- Direct from home
- Community events
How Maryland Compares
| State | Sales Limit | License | Online | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $50,000 per year (rises to $100,000 on October 1, 2026 — HB 535) | No | No | moderate |
| Pennsylvania | No statutory annual cap (Limited Food Establishment program) | Yes | Yes | moderate |
| Delaware | No statewide sales cap (the $25,000 cap was removed in December 2023) | Yes | No | moderate |
| West Virginia | No annual sales cap for non-hazardous cottage foods (SB 44) | No | Yes | permissive |
| Virginia | $25,000 per year | No | Yes | moderate |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register to sell cottage food in Maryland?▾
Yes. You must register with your local county health department before selling cottage food products.
What is the annual sales limit in Maryland?▾
Maryland allows up to $50,000 in gross annual sales, increasing to $100,000 on October 1, 2026 under HB 535.
Official source: Maryland Dept. of Health — Cottage Foods