Do you need a license to sell honey in North Carolina?

Whether you need a license to sell honey in North Carolina depends on how and where you sell, so check before you print labels.

No formal cottage food law; home honey goes through the NCDA&CS Home Processor program. A free home-kitchen inspection may be required even for pure honey, verify.

What your North Carolina 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 North Carolina: No not-inspected disclaimer (NC uses an inspection model). Label needs "Honey", packer name/address/ZIP, net contents in the lower 30% of the panel in US and metric.

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

The official North Carolina source

These rules are set by NC Dept of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS). This reflects their published guidance; still confirm the current details before printing.

Read the official North Carolina guidance.

Quick checklist for North Carolina

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