Current Law Details
No permit/fees/inspection required. Sales cap doubled from $25,000 in 2022 (HB178). Mail delivery within Maryland only - no interstate sales. ANAB-accredited food safety course required only for retail store sales. Can request state ID number to replace home address on labels (HB1017, 2020). Refrigerated baked goods (cheesecakes, cream pies) will be allowed starting Oct 1, 2025 (SB701).
Registration & Training
📋Registration
- Required
- No
🎓Training
- Required
- No
Labeling Requirements
Required Statement
"Made in a cottage food business that is not subject to Maryland's food safety regulations"
Additional Label Elements
- ✓Business name
- ✓State-issued ID number OR home address (P.O. Box not permitted)
- ✓Phone number or email contact
- ✓Product name
- ✓Ingredients (descending order by weight)
- ✓Net weight or volume
- ✓Allergen information
Allowed Sales Venues
No state permit required for direct-to-consumer sales. Retail store sales allowed but require ANAB food safety course completion and label submission to health department for review.
Shipping & Delivery
Shipping Options
- In-State
- Allowed
- Out-of-State
- Not Allowed
Delivery Methods
- Commercial Carriers
- Allowed
- Third-Party Delivery
- Allowed
Mail delivery within Maryland via USPS, UPS, FedEx allowed. Interstate sales and shipping prohibited. Personal delivery within Maryland permitted. All products must be pre-packaged.
Allowed Foods
Current: Baked goods (non-perishable; no cream/custard until Oct 2025), hard candy only (no soft/chocolate), jams/jellies (pH ≤ 4.6), honey (unflavored). Starting Oct 1, 2025: Refrigerated baked goods allowed (cheesecakes, custard pies, meringue pies, cream pies, fresh fruit tarts). Prohibited: Pickles, salsa, pepper jelly, BBQ sauce, condiments, low-acid canned foods, meat/dairy, fermented foods.
Recent Legislative Updates
SB701
Effective: October 1, 2025
Allows refrigerated baked goods (cheesecakes, custard/meringue/cream pies, fresh fruit tarts) for the first time
HB178
Effective: October 1, 2022
Increased sales cap from $25,000 to $50,000
HB1017
Effective: 2020
Created optional state ID number system to replace home address on labels for privacy protection
Retail store sales amendment
Effective: 2019
Permitted retail store sales with food safety course requirement
Important Warnings & Notes
- ⚠️No P.O. Box addresses allowed - must use home address or state ID number
- ⚠️Interstate sales prohibited - Maryland customers only
- ⚠️Refrigerated baked goods not allowed until October 1, 2025
- ⚠️ANAB food safety course required only if selling to retail stores/co-ops
- ⚠️Products must be pre-packaged before sale/shipment
Research Sources
This information was compiled from the following sources (Last updated: 2025-10-06):
- •Maryland Code § 21-330.1 (Health-General)
- •Maryland HB178 (2022)
- •Maryland SB701 (2025)
- •Maryland Department of Health - Cottage Foods Guidance
- •Forrager.com - Maryland
Important Legal Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Cottage food laws change frequently and vary by local jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with your state and local health departments before starting your business.
Ready to Start Your Cottage Food Business?
Now that you understand Maryland's cottage food laws, let Cottage CMS help you build a compliant, professional website that grows your business.