South Carolina Cottage Food Law: Labeling and Sales Guide
Cottage food regulations for South Carolina — sales limits, allowed and prohibited products, labeling requirements, and where you can sell direct-to-consumer.
Quick Answer
South Carolina's home-based food production law lets producers sell non-hazardous ("nonpotentially hazardous") foods such as baked goods, candy, high-acid jams and jellies, and dried goods with no revenue cap and no required permit, license, registration, or inspection. Uniquely, both direct sales and wholesale to retail stores are allowed. Producers may request a free SCDA ID number to keep their home address off labels.
South Carolina Cottage Food Law: At a Glance
| Law / Program | South Carolina Home-Based Food Production Law |
| Enacted / Last Amended | 2012; revenue cap removed in 2022 (S.506) |
| Annual Sales Limit | No revenue cap (former $15,000 cap removed by S.506, 2022) |
| Statute Citation | S.C. Code Ann. § 44-1-143; S.506 (2022) |
| Enforcing Agency | South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) |
Allowed Cottage Food Products
- ✓Non-TCS baked goods
- ✓Candy and confections
- ✓High-acid jams and jellies (standard full-sugar recipes)
- ✓Dried goods and dried herbs
Products NOT Permitted Under Cottage Food
- ✗Potentially hazardous (TCS) foods
- ✗Meat, poultry, and fish products
- ✗Low-acid canned goods
- ✗Refrigerated items requiring temperature control
Where You Can Sell
- •Direct to consumer (farmers markets, home, events, in-state online)
- •Wholesale to retail stores (uncommon for cottage food — permitted in SC)
- •A local business license may still be required by your county or city
- •NOT permitted: products requiring refrigeration
South Carolina Cottage Food Labeling Requirements
- 1Producer's name and home address (or an SCDA ID number in place of the address)
- 2All-caps, high-contrast statement: "PROCESSED AND PREPARED BY A HOME-BASED FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO SOUTH CAROLINA'S FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS."
- 3Product name and ingredient list
- 4Allergen statement identifying any major allergens present
- 5Net quantity in US and metric units (federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act)
South Carolina Cottage Food FAQs
Does South Carolina cap home-based food sales?
No. The original $15,000 cap was removed by S.506 in 2022, so there is no longer any revenue limit.
Can I sell to stores in South Carolina?
Yes. Unusually, South Carolina allows both direct-to-consumer sales and wholesale to retail stores for allowed non-hazardous products.
Do I need a permit or registration?
No state permit, license, registration, certification, or inspection is required. However, your county or city may require a general business license.
What is the SCDA ID number for?
It is an optional, free identifier you can use on labels in place of your home address, for privacy. You request it from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.
What disclaimer must my label show?
An all-caps, high-contrast statement: "PROCESSED AND PREPARED BY A HOME-BASED FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO SOUTH CAROLINA'S FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS."
Related Guides for Cottage Food Producers
Homemade Food Labels
What's required on cottage food labels even when nutrition facts panels are exempt.
FDA Small Business Exemption
When the FDA waives nutrition label requirements — federal rules layered on top of state cottage food laws.
Allergen Labeling Rules
FALCPA + FASTER Act: the 9 major allergens that must be disclosed on every food label — including cottage food.
Scaling Beyond Cottage Food?
When you exceed your state's cottage food limit or move to retail distribution, you need a full FDA Nutrition Facts label. Generate one free in 3 minutes.
Open Free Generator