Home Bakery Permit Requirements in Greenville, SC

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. South Carolina Department of Revenue — Retail License

   Every person who engages in business in South Carolina as a retailer must obtain a Retail License from the SC Department of Revenue before making any retail sales subject to sales and use tax, including internet sales and infrequent sales. A separate licence is required for each retail outlet. The licence does not have to be renewed while the same taxpayer keeps operating at the same location, but a new application is required after a change of ownership or after 24 months with no sales.

   Official government source for South Carolina Department of Revenue — Retail License (opens in a new tab)

   $50 per location, non-refundable, and it is a one-time fee rather than an annual charge (S.C. Code Section 12-36-510(A)(1)). The statewide sales and use tax rate is 6%; SCDOR states counties may impose an additional 1% local sales tax where voters approve it, and the applicable local rates are published in forms ST-500 and ST-575.·Not published by SCDOR. Applying through MyDORWAY is the fastest route — confirm current issuance time when you apply.

   $50 per location, non-refundable, and it is a one-time fee rather than an annual charge (S.C. Code Section 12-36-510(A)(1)). The statewide sales and use tax rate is 6%; SCDOR states counties may impose an additional 1% local sales tax where voters approve it, and the applicable local rates are published in forms ST-500 and ST-575.

   Not published by SCDOR. Applying through MyDORWAY is the fastest route — confirm current issuance time when you apply.

2. Certified Food Protection Manager (SC Department of Agriculture, Regulation 61-25)

   Retail food establishments in South Carolina are permitted and inspected by the SC Department of Agriculture's Retail Food Safety Department under Regulation 61-25, which requires a Certified Food Protection Manager. A home-based (cottage food) operation is exempt: SC Code 44-1-143 provides that it "is not a retail food establishment and is not subject to regulation by the department." Certification is therefore optional for cottage food producers and is still recommended as a food-safety practice.

   Official government source for Certified Food Protection Manager (SC Department of Agriculture, Regulation 61-25) (opens in a new tab)

   No state fee — certification is earned through an ANSI-accredited private exam provider (e.g. ServSafe); provider pricing varies·Set by the exam provider, not the state; SCDA does not publish a certification timeline

   No state fee — certification is earned through an ANSI-accredited private exam provider (e.g. ServSafe); provider pricing varies

   Set by the exam provider, not the state; SCDA does not publish a certification timeline

1. South Carolina Home-Based Food Production (Cottage Food) Law

   Under S.C. Code Section 44-1-143, an individual may prepare nonpotentially hazardous foods in a home kitchen and sell them directly to consumers — including online and by mail order — or to retail and grocery stores. A home-based food production operation is not a retail food establishment and is not permitted, licensed or inspected by the SC Department of Agriculture. Aluminum canned goods and charcuterie boards are excluded, as are time/temperature-controlled foods, bottled beverages, cheesecake, and hot or barbecue sauce. Products must carry the required label, including the statement 'PROCESSED AND PREPARED BY A HOME-BASED FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO SOUTH CAROLINA'S FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS.' There is no statutory gross-sales cap; the section does not apply at all to an operation with net earnings under $1,500 a year.

   Official government source for South Carolina Home-Based Food Production (Cottage Food) Law (opens in a new tab)

   Free — no permit, license or registration fee. An operator may optionally request a free SCDA Home-based Food ID number to use on labels in place of a home address.·No state registration step is required before selling. Allow time only if you request an optional SCDA Home-based Food ID number.

   Free — no permit, license or registration fee. An operator may optionally request a free SCDA Home-based Food ID number to use on labels in place of a home address.

   No state registration step is required before selling. Allow time only if you request an optional SCDA Home-based Food ID number.

2. City of Greenville Business License

   All businesses conducting business within the City of Greenville must hold a business license, issued by the city's Business License & Revenue Center (Finance Department). The license is renewed annually and must be displayed at the place of business.

   Official government source for City of Greenville Business License (opens in a new tab)

   Calculated from gross receipts (projected for a new business) using the city's NAICS rate-class schedule — see the Business License Calculators on the city site. There is no flat annual amount.·Not published by the city. Apply to the Business License & Revenue Center before beginning business and confirm current processing time with that office.

   Calculated from gross receipts (projected for a new business) using the city's NAICS rate-class schedule — see the Business License Calculators on the city site. There is no flat annual amount.

   Not published by the city. Apply to the Business License & Revenue Center before beginning business and confirm current processing time with that office.

Official Sources

• South Carolina Cottage Food Law
• City of Greenville Business License Division

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