Cottage Food Laws
Cottage Food Laws in Indiana
Learn the cottage food laws in Indiana — annual sales limits, license and permit requirements, allowed sales channels, and where you can legally sell homemade food.
At a Glance
HB 1424 (effective July 1, 2026) creates a new 'homestead vendor' category that allows sale of prepared foods and meat products directly to consumers from the vendor's property or at farmers markets. Annual gross sales limit: $1.5 million. This is a major expansion from the prior Home-Based Vendor (HBV) rules, which restricted sales to non-TCS shelf-stable products only. Sales must be direct-to-consumer from the homestead or a farmers market; no retail store distribution. Note: The prior HBV rules (non-TCS, ANSI food handler certificate required) remain in effect for vendors who do not qualify or choose not to operate under the homestead vendor category.
Where You Can Sell
Indiana cottage food vendors are permitted to sell through the following channels:
Online Sales & Shipping
Online sales and mail delivery allowed within Indiana. Shipping outside of Indiana is not permitted.
License & Permit Requirements
Annual Sales Limits
Acidified & Fermented Foods
Acidified foods include pickles, hot sauces, salsas, fermented vegetables, and other products with a pH at or below 4.6. These are regulated separately in most states.
Important Notes
Indiana has no sales cap and no license required. ANSI-accredited food handler certificate required. The required label statement must appear in at least 10-point type. Online sales are allowed. Local governments are prohibited from imposing additional restrictions. Products are for direct-to-consumer sale only (per the NOT FOR RESALE language).
Official Sources
Always verify cottage food laws directly with your state agency — laws change, and we want you selling with confidence.
Information last updated: June 15, 2026. Cottage food laws change frequently — always confirm with your state.
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REady When You Are.
It’s free to get started
We know you'll love it here. If you already have a cottage food business, or ready to start one, come on over to Butter & Sage Market. We're connecting neighbors with their local food makers.
