Honey

Extracted, comb & creamed honey from your own hives

Cottage Food Eligible
AnnualDNR apiary registration required
No capon honey sales revenue
IC 15-16-5governs apiary registration
FDAstandard of identity applies to labels

What's Covered  /  What Needs a Different Path

✓ Covered here

  • Extracted, comb, and creamed honey from your own registered apiary
  • Honey sold direct to consumers with no state sales cap
  • Flavor-infused honey (with dry, shelf-stable flavorings)

✗ Needs a different path

  • Selling honey from an unregistered apiary
  • Moving bees or beekeeping equipment across state lines without the required entry permit
  • Labels that don't meet FDA honey standard-of-identity and net-weight rules

Three Steps to Compliance

A

Register your apiary annually

Register with the Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology under IC 15-16-5, listing hive locations so inspectors can track disease and pest issues.

B

Complete an ISDA-recommended beekeeping course

Not always mandatory, but strongly recommended for keeping up with pest and disease management practices.

C

Label to FDA honey standards

Include net weight in the required format, your name/address, and follow FDA's honey standard of identity – don't call blended or adulterated product “pure honey.”

Quick Reference

ItemRuleRegulator
Apiary registrationAnnual registration requiredDNR Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology
Honey sales, direct to consumerNo cottage license; no revenue capIC 16-42-5.3
Interstate bee/equipment movementEntry permit requiredDNR Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology
Honey labelingFDA standard of identity + net weightFDA (federal)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to sell honey in Indiana?

No state sales license, but you do need to register your apiary annually with the DNR Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology.

Is there a revenue cap on honey sales?

No – Indiana is one of several states with no revenue limit on cottage honey sales.

Do I need a Managed Pollinator Protection Plan?

Indiana participates in a Managed Pollinator Protection Plan framework; registering your apiary helps ensure pesticide applicators are notified near your hives.

Can I bring bees in from another state?

Only with a permit for shipping bees and beekeeping equipment into Indiana, to help prevent disease spread.

Printable Checklist

Register your apiary annually under IC 15-16-5
Keep hive location and count information current
Complete an ISDA-recommended beekeeping course
Label honey to FDA standard-of-identity rules
Get a permit before moving bees/equipment across state lines
Track and report suspected pest/disease issues