New Hampshire Cottage Food Label Requirements

The required label statement

This product is exempt from New Hampshire licensing and inspection.

Exact sentence, "clearly labeled" on every package (RSA 143-A:12, V(c)(1)); at least the equivalent of 10-point font in a colour that provides a clear contrast to the background (He-P 2310.01(d)(7); DHHS Homestead FAQ says "at least 10pt font"). This profile is the LICENCE-EXEMPT tier (sales from the home, own farm stand, farmers' markets, retail food stores). Licensed (non-exempt) homestead operations must instead print: "This product is made in a residential food production area licensed by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services." (RSA 143-A:12, V(c)(2), as amended 2025).

What must be on your label

• Name of the homestead food operation (RSA 143-A:12, V(a)(1), V(b); He-P 2310.01(d)(1))
• Physical address OR active e-mail address of the homestead food operation — no PO Box (RSA 143-A:12, V(a)(1), V(b); DHHS Homestead FAQ)
• Phone number of the homestead food operation (RSA 143-A:12, V(a)(1), V(b); He-P 2310.01(d)(3))
• Name of the homestead food product (RSA 143-A:12, V(a)(1), V(b))
• Ingredients of the homestead product in descending order of predominance by weight (RSA 143-A:12, V(a)(1), V(b); He-P 2310.01(d)(5))
• Allergy information — the name of each major food allergen contained in the food unless already disclosed in the ingredient statement (RSA 143-A:12, V; He-P 2310.01(d)(6))
• The statement "This product is exempt from New Hampshire licensing and inspection." in at least the equivalent of 10-point font with clear contrast (RSA 143-A:12, V(c)(1); He-P 2310.01(d)(7))
• A product code that identifies the product with a batch number, or a date of manufacture, to aid a recall (He-P 2310.01(d)(8); DHHS FAQ: product code including date of manufacture, container size and lot/batch number)
• Net weight, volume or numerical count in both US customary and metric units (DHHS Homestead FAQ list of basic label information; not itemised in RSA 143-A:12 or He-P 2310.01)
• Alternative for sales ONLY from the home or own farm stand: a QR code or website listing the ingredients in descending order by weight, plus a physical sign at the display location listing the same ingredients (RSA 143-A:12, V(a)(2)) — not allowed at farmers' markets or retail stores
• Licensed (non-exempt) operations: the statement "This product is made in a residential food production area licensed by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services." instead of the exempt sentence (RSA 143-A:12, V(c)(2))

Example: a New Hampshire label for a bag of butter cookies

An illustrative worksheet with the lines New Hampshire requires, and placeholders for your own details. It is not an approved product label or a tested recipe. Replace the ingredients and the measured package quantity with your actual product information.

The example ingredient order follows the input weights in our butter-cookie recipe. It does not establish the weight of a finished bag. Any additions or supplier sub-ingredients must be reflected in your own label. The statement's size on this web page is not a print-size check; compare the printed label with the rule above.

Before you print

1. Match every ingredient and sub-ingredient to your actual recipe and supplier labels.
2. Check the allergen declaration, the filled package's net quantity, and producer details.
3. Include the New Hampshire statement and check its size on the final printed label.
4. Review the whole package, including any required information placed outside the Nutrition Facts panel.

New Hampshire cottage food label questions

Does a New Hampshire cottage food label need a home-kitchen statement?

Yes. The label must say "This product is exempt from New Hampshire licensing and inspection." in at least 10-point type. Exact sentence, "clearly labeled" on every package (RSA 143-A:12, V(c)(1)); at least the equivalent of 10-point font in a colour that provides a clear contrast to the background (He-P 2310.01(d)(7); DHHS Homestead FAQ says "at least 10pt font"). This profile is the LICENCE-EXEMPT tier (sales from the home, own farm stand, farmers' markets, retail food stores). Licensed (non-exempt) homestead operations must instead print: "This product is made in a residential food production area licensed by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services." (RSA 143-A:12, V(c)(2), as amended 2025).

Do I need a license or registration to sell cottage food in New Hampshire?

No. Exempt tier: no licence, registration or inspection when selling non-potentially-hazardous homestead foods from the home, own farm stand, farmers' markets or retail food stores (RSA 143-A:12, II). A Class H Homestead Food licence (fee $150, DHHS) is required to sell to restaurants or other food establishments, over the Internet, by mail order, or to wholesalers/brokers/distributors (RSA 143-A:12, III; DHHS page). Freeze-dried foods need a full RSA 143-A:4 licence (RSA 143-A:12, IV, eff. Nov 12, 2025). 15 self-inspecting cities/towns may require their own licence.

Is there a sales limit for New Hampshire cottage food?

No annual cap is set: none — the former annual gross-sales cap no longer appears in RSA 143-A:12 (current text, source note 2024, 77:1, eff. Aug 13, 2024); licensing is triggered by sales channel, not revenue.

Where can I sell cottage food in New Hampshire?

Exempt tier: direct sales from the homestead residence, the owner's own farm stand, farmers' markets, and retail food stores, within New Hampshire. Internet, mail-order, restaurant, wholesale/distributor sales require the Class H licence (RSA 143-A:12, II–III).

Does a New Hampshire cottage food label need a date?

Yes. New Hampshire prints the date of manufacture (or batch number) on every package, so the label changes with each batch.

Does a New Hampshire cottage food label need a Nutrition Facts panel?

Not by state cottage-food law unless a nutrient content or health claim is made; the federal small-business exemption usually applies. If you choose to print a panel, it has to be complete and correctly formatted.