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Category 12 of 25 · Hawaii

Herbs & Spices

Dried Culinary Herbs, Spice Blends & Seasonings

Cottage Food Eligible
None req'd
License
No revenue cap
Cap
Food-safety course
Training
HAR 11-50 / Act 195
Law

What's Covered / What Needs More

✓ What's Covered

  • Dried culinary herbs, ground or whole spices, and dry seasoning blends sold direct under the cottage exemption
  • Salt- or sugar-based rubs that remain fully dry/shelf-stable
  • Wholesale of dried herb/spice products to permitted retailers, non-TCS only
  • In-state online sale and shipping under Act 195

✕ Needs More

  • Fresh (undried) herb pastes, pestos, or oil infusions — these carry moisture/botulism risk and are not cottage-eligible; oil infusions specifically need a licensed acidified-food process
  • Spice blends packaged with fresh garlic-in-oil or similar wet, low-acid ingredients
  • Selling without the food-safety course and required label disclaimer
  • Shipping out of state under the cottage exemption

How to Get Compliant

A

Keep the product dry

Dried, ground, or whole herbs/spices are cottage-eligible; anything wet, oil-based, or fresh crosses into licensed-facility territory.

B

Complete cottage requirements

Food-safety course, then label with the home-kitchen disclaimer, full ingredient list, allergens, and contact info.

C

Sell through any authorized channel

Direct, online, in-state shipped, and wholesale (non-TCS) are all available with no DOH permit or inspection.

Quick Reference

Sales ChannelRequirementNotes
Dried herb/spice, direct saleCottage course + labelStandard cottage item
Dry spice blend/rubCottage course + labelWatch salt/sugar ratio doesn't imply preservation claims
Fresh herb-infused oilHDOH permit + validated acidified processBotulism risk — not cottage-eligible
Wholesale of dried productCottage course + label, non-TCS onlyAct 195 (2025) opened this channel

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my own dried Hawaiian chili pepper flakes?
Yes, dried spices are a standard cottage-eligible product with no permit required.
What about garlic- or herb-infused olive oil?
That needs a licensed facility and a validated acidified-food process due to serious botulism risk — it is not cottage-eligible.
Do spice blends need an ingredient list?
Yes, list every ingredient and flag major allergens if present (e.g., sesame in a furikake-style blend).
Can I ship dried spice blends to another island?
Yes, in-state shipping is allowed under Act 195.

Printable Checklist