Home Bakery Permit Requirements in Paterson, NJ

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

   Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in New Jersey. New Jersey charges a 6.625% state sales tax. Most services are exempt; retail product sales and certain services are taxable. Register free online via the State of New Jersey Business Registration portal.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate to 3 business days (online)

   Free

   Immediate to 3 business days (online)

2. New Jersey Department of Health — Cottage Food Operator's Permit

   New Jersey home bakery (cottage food) operators must obtain a Cottage Food Operator's Permit from the NJ Department of Health ($100 application fee). A food protection manager certificate (ANSI-accredited, e.g. ServSafe) is a REQUIRED prerequisite for this permit, not merely recommended. Applicants also need local zoning approval and proof of safe water (water bill or well test).

   Official government source

   $100 (permit) + $80–$150 (food manager exam/course, required)·1–4 weeks

   $100 (permit) + $80–$150 (food manager exam/course, required)

   1–4 weeks

1. New Jersey Cottage Food Operator Permit (NJ Dept of Health, N.J.A.C. 8:24-11)

   New Jersey allows home-based food production under the Cottage Food Operator rule (N.J.A.C. 8:24-11), administered by the NJ Department of Health — not the Division of Consumer Affairs. A Cottage Food Operator Permit is REQUIRED (not optional) to make non-potentially-hazardous foods (baked goods, candies, jams) in a home kitchen and sell them directly to consumers in New Jersey. Applicants need local zoning board approval, a food protection manager certificate, and proof of safe water. Permit holders are limited to $50,000 in gross annual sales. Products must be labeled with the required statement: "this food is prepared pursuant to N.J.A.C. 8:24-11 in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Department of Health."

   Official government source

   $100 permit application fee; permit is valid for 2 years and must be renewed·1–2 weeks (if registration required)

   $100 permit application fee; permit is valid for 2 years and must be renewed

   1–2 weeks (if registration required)

2. City of Paterson Health & Human Services — Mercantile License

   Paterson city ordinance requires businesses operating in the city to register and obtain a Mercantile License, administered by the Mercantile Licensing division of the Department of Health & Human Services. A mercantile inspector visits the business as part of the process, which the city describes as a consumer-protection function that also provides technical assistance to businesses. Note that Paterson has no 'Department of Business Administration' — the city's departments are Administration, Community Development, Economic Development, Finance, Health & Human Services, Legal, Municipal Court, Public Safety and Public Works. Businesses in regulated industries need additional permits from the relevant division, such as retail food licensing from the Division of Health or construction permits from UCC Construction/Buildings.

   Official government source

   Paterson does not publish a Mercantile License fee schedule online; the fee is set by city ordinance and varies with the type of business. Contact Mercantile Licensing through City Hall at 973-321-1600 for the amount that applies to you.·Paterson's permitting and licensing system is being moved online. Apply through Mercantile Licensing and allow time for the mercantile inspection before you open.

   Paterson does not publish a Mercantile License fee schedule online; the fee is set by city ordinance and varies with the type of business. Contact Mercantile Licensing through City Hall at 973-321-1600 for the amount that applies to you.

   Paterson's permitting and licensing system is being moved online. Apply through Mercantile Licensing and allow time for the mercantile inspection before you open.

Official Sources

• New Jersey Cottage Food Law
• City of Paterson Department of Business Administration

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