Cottage Food Laws in Virginia
moderateComplete guide to cottage food and bakery regulations in Virginia. 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 | $25,000 per year |
| License Required | No — No license required. Must comply with the Virginia Food Regulations cottage food exemption. |
| Kitchen Inspection | No kitchen inspection required. |
| Online Sales | Allowed — Under HB 402 (effective July 1, 2026), operators may sell over the internet or by phone and deliver by mail or delivery service within Virginia. Out-of-state sales and retail-store resale are not permitted. |
Allowed Products
- Baked goods
- Candy
- Jams and jellies
- Honey
- Dry mixes
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
- "NOT FOR RESALE — PROCESSED AND PREPARED WITHOUT STATE INSPECTION"
Where You Can Sell
- Farmers markets
- Direct from home
- Community events
How Virginia Compares
| State | Sales Limit | License | Online | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $25,000 per year | No | Yes | moderate |
| West Virginia | No annual sales cap for non-hazardous cottage foods (SB 44) | No | Yes | permissive |
| Maryland | $50,000 per year (rises to $100,000 on October 1, 2026 — HB 535) | No | No | moderate |
| North Carolina | No statutory annual cap | Yes | Yes | restrictive |
| Tennessee | No annual sales cap (Tennessee Food Freedom Act) | No | Yes | moderate |
| Kentucky | $60,000 per year | No | No | moderate |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell cottage food from my home in Virginia?▾
Yes. Virginia allows direct-to-consumer sales of non-potentially-hazardous foods from your home and at farmers markets, up to $25,000/year.
Can I ship cottage food products in Virginia?▾
Yes, within Virginia. HB 402 (effective July 1, 2026) allows internet and phone orders with delivery by mail or courier inside the state. Out-of-state shipping is still not permitted.
Official source: Virginia VDACS — Home Kitchen Food Processing Exemptions