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

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

Food-freedom cottage food law (NDCC Ch. 23-09.5). No license, inspection, training or sales cap; direct to the end consumer for home consumption.

What your North Dakota 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 Dakota: "This product is made in a home kitchen that is not inspected by the state or local health department." On the label or a point-of-sale sign.

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

The official North Dakota source

These rules are set by North Dakota Health & Human Services, Food & Lodging. This reflects their published guidance; still confirm the current details before printing.

Read the official North Dakota guidance.

Quick checklist for North Dakota

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