South Carolina's Cottage Food Law

South Carolina allows individuals to produce and sell certain homemade food products under its cottage food law. If you operate from your personal home kitchen, you can legally make and sell non-potentially-hazardous foods without going through a commercial licensing process. The law covers shelf-stable baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, and similar products that don't require refrigeration to remain safe.

You can sell your products directly to consumers through farmers markets, roadside stands, and other in-person venues. Online orders are permitted, which means you can take orders through a website or social media. However, shipping is not allowed, so every sale must result in a direct handoff to the buyer. You cannot sell through third-party retail stores or wholesale to restaurants.

Your annual gross sales cannot exceed $35,000. No permit, license, or registration is required before you start selling, which removes a common barrier for new producers. South Carolina's law is relatively accessible compared to many other states, and the online ordering allowance gives your business meaningful reach beyond local foot traffic. As the cottage food community grows, staying current with any legislative updates will help you plan confidently.