Home Bakery Permit Requirements in Boston, MA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. MA Residential Kitchen Permit (Retail Food Code, 105 CMR 590)

   Massachusetts has no cottage-food exemption. Home bakers selling to the public must obtain a Residential Kitchen permit from their local board of health and pass inspection under the state Retail Food Code (105 CMR 590). Allowed products include baked goods, jams, and candy, labeled with allergen information. There is no statewide sales cap; requirements are enforced locally — verify with your city/town board of health.

   Official government source

   Free (no license required under exemption)·Immediate (self-compliance)

   Free (no license required under exemption)

   Immediate (self-compliance)

2. MA DPH Food Establishment Permit (if above exemption threshold)

   If annual sales exceed $25,000, you sell through retail stores or restaurants, or you produce potentially hazardous foods, a Massachusetts Department of Public Health retail food establishment permit is required. Operations must move to a licensed commercial kitchen.

   Official government source

   $100-$300/year·4-8 weeks

   $100-$300/year

   4-8 weeks

3. MA Secretary of State Business Registration

   Required by the Massachusetts Secretary of State for LLCs, corporations, and other formal business entities. Sole proprietors operating under a business name may file a DBA with the Suffolk County Clerk.

   Official government source

   $35-$500 (one-time filing, varies by entity type)·1-2 weeks

   $35-$500 (one-time filing, varies by entity type)

   1-2 weeks

1. Boston Zoning - Home Occupation Permit

   Boston zoning regulations permit limited commercial activity from residential properties under home occupation provisions. However, commercial food production from home in Boston's dense neighborhoods is heavily restricted. A review by Boston's Inspectional Services Department (ISD) is required to confirm the activity qualifies as a permitted home occupation.

   Official government source

   $100-$300·2-6 weeks

   $100-$300

   2-6 weeks

Official Sources

• MA Department of Agricultural Resources - Cottage Food
• Boston Inspectional Services Department
• MA Department of Public Health - Food Licensing

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