What Is a Tier 2 State?

Tier 2 cottage food states require registration with the state before you begin selling. Registration is typically free, completed online or by mail, and does not require a home kitchen inspection. It is a notification system, not a licensing system — you are telling the state you exist, not asking permission to operate.

Tier 2 States Include

Alaska, Arkansas, California (Class A), Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, and others.

Step-by-Step: Starting in a Tier 2 State

  1. Visit your state agriculture department website — search for "cottage food registration" plus your state name
  2. Complete the registration form — usually asks for your name, home address, intended products, and sales venues
  3. Submit registration — online or by mail; fee is typically $0-25
  4. Keep your registration confirmation — farmers markets often ask for proof of registration
  5. Create compliant labels — include all required fields and the state-specific disclaimer
  6. Start tracking sales — know your state's annual gross cap and track from day one
  7. Begin selling — once registered, you may start immediately in most states

What Registration Does NOT Mean

Registration is not a license. Your home kitchen will not be inspected. You are not "approved" by the state as a safe food producer — you are registered as a cottage food operator who is responsible for complying with the law. The responsibility for safe products and correct labeling is yours.

Informational Only: Laws vary by state and change frequently. Verify with your state agriculture department before selling. Not legal advice.