Cottage Food Laws in Vermont
moderateComplete guide to cottage food and bakery regulations in Vermont. 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 | $30,000 per year (Act 42, 2025) |
| License Required | No — No manufacturing license required below the cap. Act 42 (2025) replaced the old tiers with one Cottage Food Operator exemption; requires free VT Dept. of Health training and an annual exemption filing. |
| Kitchen Inspection | No kitchen inspection required for Tier 1. Tier 2 may require inspection. |
| Online Sales | Allowed — Online and mail-order sales direct to consumers within Vermont are permitted; out-of-state shipping is not. |
Allowed Products
- Baked goods
- Candy
- Jams and jellies
- Granola
- Popcorn
Prohibited Products
- Cream-filled pastries
- Meat products
- Dairy products
Labeling Requirements
- Name and address of the producer
- Name of the product
- Ingredients list
- "This product was produced in a home kitchen and is not inspected"
Where You Can Sell
- Farmers markets
- Direct from home
- Community events
How Vermont Compares
| State | Sales Limit | License | Online | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | $30,000 per year (Act 42, 2025) | No | Yes | moderate |
| New Hampshire | No sales cap (the cap was removed by HB 119, effective July 1, 2023) | Yes | Yes | permissive |
| New York | No statewide cap (varies by county) | No | No | moderate |
| Massachusetts | No dollar sales cap (105 CMR 590 residential kitchen) | Yes | Yes | restrictive |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sales limit for cottage food in Vermont?▾
Act 42 (2025) replaced the old two-tier system with a single Cottage Food Operator exemption capped at $30,000 in gross annual sales.
Can I sell cottage food at a farmers market in Vermont?▾
Yes. Farmers markets are one of the primary approved venues for cottage food sales in Vermont.
Official source: Vermont Statutes Title 18, §4301 — Cottage Food Operation