Cottage Food Laws in South Carolina
permissiveComplete guide to cottage food and bakery regulations in South Carolina. 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 | No statutory annual cap |
| License Required | No — Administered by the SC Dept. of Agriculture (SCDA, not DHEC). No retail food permit, license, certificate, or registration required for home-based food producers. An optional SCDA Home-Based Food ID number is available on request. |
| Kitchen Inspection | No kitchen inspection required. |
| Online Sales | Allowed — In-state online and mail-order sales are permitted; delivery and shipping must stay within South Carolina. |
Allowed Products
- Baked goods
- Candy
- Jams and jellies
- Honey
- Dry mixes
Prohibited Products
- Cream-filled pastries
- Meat products
- Dairy products
Labeling Requirements
- Name and address of the producer
- Name of the product
- Ingredients list
- "Not for resale — Processed and prepared in an uninspected home kitchen"
Where You Can Sell
- Farmers markets
- Direct from home
- Community events
- Roadside stands
How South Carolina Compares
| State | Sales Limit | License | Online | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | No statutory annual cap | No | Yes | permissive |
| North Carolina | No statutory annual cap | Yes | Yes | restrictive |
| Georgia | No statutory annual cap (HB 398, effective July 1, 2025) | No | Yes | permissive |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell cottage food at a farmers market in South Carolina?▾
Yes. Farmers markets are one of the primary approved venues for cottage food sales in South Carolina.
What is the annual sales cap in South Carolina?▾
South Carolina has no maximum sales cap (the prior limit was removed by S.506 in 2022); a $1,500 minimum applies to qualify for the exemption.
Official source: South Carolina Dept. of Agriculture — Home-Based Food Production