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

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

Honey falls under the apiary law (SDCL 38-18) via the SD Dept of Agriculture & Natural Resources. No cottage-food route.

What your South 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 South Dakota: Honey is not a South Dakota cottage food, so the cottage disclaimer does not apply. Standard FDA labeling; no honey-specific state disclaimer found. Apiaries must be registered.

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

The official South Dakota source

These rules are set by South Dakota Dept of Agriculture & Natural Resources (DANR). This reflects their published guidance; still confirm the current details before printing.

Read the official South Dakota guidance.

Quick checklist for South Dakota

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