At a Glance
What Do You Actually Need?
State Food License
MDARD Food Establishment License
What the Law Says
- MCL 289.4102(1) explicitly exempts cottage food operations from the licensing and evaluation provisions of the Michigan Food Law
- No MDARD food establishment license required
- No routine kitchen inspection required or permitted
- No application forms to complete with MDARD
- No annual renewal fee to MDARD
What Still Applies
- Labeling requirements still fully apply
- Adulteration standards still apply
- MDARD retains enforcement authority for violations
- MDARD can request sales records in writing
- Other applicable state, federal, and local laws still apply
Food Safety Training
Food Handler & Food Manager Certification
Legal Status
- No food handler certification is required by Michigan cottage food law
- No food manager certification is required
- No ServSafe, CPFM, or equivalent is mandated
- No annual renewal requirement
Why You Should Still Train
- Understanding food safety prevents costly mistakes
- Cross-contamination and allergen awareness protect customers
- Proper temperature and storage knowledge matters
- Professionally trained sellers build buyer trust
- Some farmers markets may require it independently
Optional Registration
MSU Product Center Registration
🔐 Protect Your Privacy — Optional Address Shield
One of the most significant changes in Michigan's 2025 cottage food law update (PA 51 of 2025, effective March 24, 2026) is the creation of an optional registration program administered by the MSU Product Center. Before this change, every Michigan cottage food label had to display the seller's full home address — creating a real privacy concern, especially for sellers who appear at public markets.
Under the new system, sellers who register with the MSU Product Center receive a unique registration number. That number, combined with the business name and phone number, can appear on labels instead of the home address. If a consumer has a complaint or question about a product, they contact the MSU Product Center, which acts as an intermediary.
Michigan Sales Tax
Do You Need to Collect Sales Tax?
Michigan cottage food sellers are not automatically exempt from sales tax obligations. However, most cottage food products fall under Michigan's food-for-home-consumption exemption, which excludes most groceries from the state's 6% sales tax. The nuance lies in what you're selling and where.
Michigan Sales Tax — Cottage Food Product Reference
Sales Tax Permit Facts
- Free to register — no cost for Michigan seller's permit
- Register online at Michigan Treasury Online (MTO)
- If you sell at more than 2 events per year, a permit is required even if sales are tax-exempt
- Zero-return filing required even in months with no sales
- Michigan rate: flat 6% statewide — no local sales tax
MDARD's Guidance
- MDARD explicitly defers to Michigan Treasury on sales tax questions for cottage food sellers
- "In general, sales tax is not charged on prepackaged foods that are not for immediate consumption" — MDARD FAQ
- Contact Michigan Treasury directly to confirm your specific product lineup
- A CPA familiar with Michigan food businesses can advise on your situation
Local Government
Local Permits, Zoning & Market Requirements
Michigan's cottage food exemption is a state-level exemption from MDARD's food establishment licensing requirements. It does not preempt local ordinances, zoning regulations, or homeowners association rules. Before you sell your first product, it's worth a quick call to your city or township offices to understand what, if anything, applies to you locally.
City / Township Business License
Many Michigan municipalities require a local business license for any home-based business. Fees vary — typically $10 to $75/year. Call your city or township clerk's office to verify whether your cottage food business triggers this requirement.
Zoning & Home Occupation Rules
Local zoning codes often have "home occupation" provisions that regulate business activity from residential properties — limiting signage, customer traffic, and sometimes the scale of production. Verify with your local planning or zoning department.
Farmers Market Requirements
Individual farmers markets set their own vendor rules, which may include liability insurance, market-specific labeling, or product pre-approval. Contact each market's manager before signing up as a vendor.
HOA Restrictions
If you live in a community with a homeowners association, your HOA rules may restrict commercial activity from your home — even activity that is fully legal under state law. Review your HOA documents or contact your HOA board.
Event & Craft Show Permits
Some county fairs, craft shows, and community events require vendors to obtain a temporary food establishment permit from the local health department. Check with event organizers — this varies by event and jurisdiction.
County Health Department
Michigan's local health departments share oversight with MDARD for certain food safety matters. While they do not license or inspect cottage food kitchens, some health departments maintain vendor lists for markets and events. Check with your local health department if you are unsure.
Launch Checklist
Michigan Cottage Food Startup Checklist
Use this checklist to make sure you've covered every requirement before your first sale.