When deciding whether to sell food on Shef, it's important for you to understand the laws in your city and state. As a marketplace, we do not provide legal advice, but we want to provide useful links and information that may help you better understand laws and regulations in the District of Columbia. This list is not exhaustive and there may be additional requirements or considerations based on your individual circumstances.

Cooks are required to follow all state and local rules. If you would like to sell food items that are not covered by these laws, you are required to cook out of a commercial kitchen or other legal facility. In 2013, the District of Columbia (D.C.) began allowing residents to register as cottage food businesses to prepare food from their home kitchens and sell them in limited venues. D.C. expanded these laws in 2020 with the passages of Council Bill 23-0192 and Council Bill 23-0269, which allowed cottage food producers to sell many types of foods in many venues, including online, after becoming registered with the health department, taking a food safety manager course, and getting a home occupation permit.

If you determine you need commercial kitchen space based on the regulations in your jurisdiction and your menu, there are many spaces for rent including but not limited to a list we maintain here for your convenience. Please note, we can't verify they'll meet your specific needs so be sure to do your own diligence before partnering with any location.

Shef will determine whether sales tax is applicable, and will collect and remit those sales taxes on behalf of cooks and consumers who use the marketplace.

Additionally, shefs should consult a tax professional regarding their own personal income or other taxes. Cooks may need to obtain a business registration or tax permit depending on where they live, and should check their local city or county website for additional information.

Maintaining the safety of the Shef community is our number one priority. All shefs are required to pass an accredited food safety certification exam, a food quality assessment, and must maintain minimum quality ratings. For more information about the District of Columbia’s food safety certificate requirements, see here.