Registration
- Required
- Yes
- Type
- license
- Cost
- $50 annually
- Renewal
- Annual
- Inspection
- Yes
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StateModerate
Connecticut cottage food rules
Review sales limits, online sales, registration, labeling, venues, shipping, foods, and source notes for this jurisdiction.
Sales limit
$50,000
Online sales
Conditional
Registration
Required
Training
Required
Current law details
Start with the summary, then verify locally.
PA 22-8 (2022) increased sales cap from $25,000 to $50,000. Online sales allowed BUT no shipping - in-person delivery required. $50 annual license, home inspection required. ServSafe training required. Private well testing required if applicable. SB154 (2025) to allow farm store/cafe sales within 20-mile radius pending.
Setup requirements
Registration, training, and labeling details.
These are the common operating requirements sellers check before launching or changing sales channels.
Training
- Required
- Yes
- Type
- ServSafe Food Handler or ServSafe Manager
- Cost
- ~$15 (online courses)
Labeling
"Made in a Home Kitchen"
- Product name
- Cottage food license number
- Name and address of operation
- Ingredients in descending order
- Allergen information
- Net quantity
- Production date or use-by date
Sales channels
Allowed venues and fulfillment methods.
Confirm how customers are allowed to buy, receive, or pick up products before opening a sales channel.
Sales venues
Home sales
Allowed
Farmers markets
Allowed
Roadside stands
Allowed
Events
Allowed
Retail stores
Not allowed
Restaurants
Not allowed
Online
Allowed
Direct sales only. Allowed at home, farmers markets, fairs, festivals, charitable functions, roadside stands. NOT allowed at grocery stores, restaurants, long-term care facilities, group homes, daycares, schools. No consignment or wholesale.
Shipping and delivery
- In-state
- In-person only
- Out-of-state
- Not allowed
- Commercial carriers
- Not allowed
- Third-party delivery
- Not allowed
Online ordering allowed but NO shipping via mail, UPS, FedEx, or third-party services. In-person delivery by operator or designee required. Within Connecticut only.
Product categories
Allowed food categories.
Allowed and limited categories are only a planning aid. Check official guidance before selling a specific recipe.
Baked goods
Allowed
Candy and confections
Allowed
Jams and jellies
Allowed
Acidified foods
Not allowed
Canned goods
Not allowed
Dried goods
Allowed
Perishables
Not allowed
Meat products
Not allowed
Dairy products
Not allowed
Only non-potentially hazardous foods (no time/temperature control required). Baked goods, fruit pies (NOT pumpkin pie), jams/jellies, candies, confections, coated nuts, popcorn, dry herbs, granola, coffee beans, vinegar. NO fruit butters, acidified foods, pickles, salsas, beverages, meat, pumpkin pie, cheesecakes, or refrigerated items.
Updates and cautions
Check these notes before making changes.
Recent updates and warnings are included to help you spot issues that may need extra verification.
Recent legislative updates
Public Act 22-8 (SB 187)
Effective: October 1, 2022
Increased annual sales cap from $25,000 to $50,000 (100% increase)
SB154
Effective: Pending
Proposed to authorize cottage food sales at farm stores and cafes within 20-mile radius (status pending)
Important warnings
- Online sales allowed BUT no shipping - must deliver in person
- Home kitchen inspection required initially and commissioner may inspect at any time
- Private well water testing required if applicable (at least annually)
- Zoning compliance confirmation required before license
- Cannot ship via mail, UPS, FedEx, or third-party delivery services
- Fruit butters specifically not allowed despite seeming similar to jams
Research sources
Sources used for this summary.
Last updated: 2026-05-07. Use these sources as a starting point for current verification.
- Connecticut General Statutes § 21a-62c, § 21a-62d
- Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
- Public Act 22-8 (2022)
- Forrager.com - Connecticut
Important legal disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Cottage food rules change frequently and vary by local jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with your state and local health departments before starting your business.
Next step
Turn Connecticut rules into a clear ordering experience.
Use Cottage CMS to publish products, pickup windows, forms, disclosures, and order workflows after you verify the current local requirements.