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Category 14 of 25 · Hawaii

Laundry

Detergents, Soap Bars & Fabric Care

General Consumer Product
None req'd
License
DCCA / EPA
Agency
4.5%
GET
Hazardous-substance labeling
Key rule

What's Covered / What Needs More

✓ What's Covered

  • Laundry soap bars, powders, and liquid detergents sold direct at markets, online, and wholesale
  • Selling under a registered business name with a GET license
  • Fragrance-free or naturally scented formulas marketed for cleaning purposes only
  • Wholesale to local shops with standard resale documentation

✕ Needs More

  • No HDOH food permit applies, but detergents fall under federal/DCCA consumer-product safety rules for hazardous household substances if caustic ingredients are present
  • Skipping required child-hazard warnings on products containing lye, enzymes, or other irritant ingredients
  • Claiming antimicrobial, disinfecting, or 'kills germs' properties without EPA pesticide/antimicrobial registration
  • Omitting full ingredient disclosure where required by federal consumer product labeling rules

How to Get Compliant

A

Register the business

Obtain a GET license and register a trade name with DCCA if operating under a business name.

B

Label for safety

Include ingredient list, net weight, usage instructions, and any required hazard/child-safety warnings for caustic or irritant components.

C

Sell through any channel

No state manufacturing permit applies to finished laundry soap/detergent — sell direct, online, or wholesale statewide.

Quick Reference

Sales ChannelRequirementNotes
Farmers market / in-personGET licenseNo food permit — not a food product
Online / shipped in-stateGET license, standard labelingConfirm carrier hazmat rules if caustic ingredients present
Wholesale to a shopGET license (wholesale rate)Retailer may request safety data sheet
Antimicrobial/disinfectant claimEPA registration requiredReclassifies product as a pesticide

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to sell homemade laundry soap?
No HDOH permit applies since it's not a food product; you do need a GET license and appropriate hazard labeling if caustic ingredients are used.
Can I say my detergent 'kills 99% of germs'?
Only with EPA antimicrobial/pesticide registration — otherwise avoid disinfecting or antimicrobial claims.
What if my soap contains lye?
Lye-based products need clear hazard warnings and safe-handling instructions on the label.
Can I wholesale to local stores?
Yes, with a GET license; the wholesale GET rate is 0.5% versus 4.5% retail.

Printable Checklist