Do you need a license to sell honey in New York?

In most cases you can sell pure honey from your own bees in New York without a food license.

Adding flavorings triggers an Article 20-C license.

What your New York honey label must include

Start with the federal basics that apply in every state:

  • The word "Honey" (you can name the floral source, like "Wildflower Honey", if it is the main source)
  • Net weight in both US and metric, in the bottom 30 percent of the front label
  • Your name and address
  • No ingredient list is needed for pure honey; add one the moment you add anything

Then, for New York: Pure honey with no added ingredients is exempt from licensing (Part 259); whether the home-processor "Made in a Home Kitchen" phrase applies to pure honey is unclear, verify.

For the full federal rules, including when a nutrition panel is required, see our honey labeling requirements guide.

The official New York source

These rules are set by NY State Dept of Agriculture & Markets. This reflects their published guidance; still confirm the current details before printing.

Read the official New York guidance.

Quick checklist for New York

  • The word "Honey"
  • Net weight in US and metric, bottom 30 percent of the front
  • Your name and address
  • The New York statement or disclaimer described above
  • Optional but recommended: "Do not feed honey to infants under one year of age"