Yes, selling homemade food in the Netherlands is legal but tightly regulated under EU and Dutch food safety laws. Home-based food businesses must comply with hygiene standards, registration requirements, and local municipal rules, with enforcement by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). New 2026 EU regulations on small-scale food production may further impact cottage food operators.
Key Regulations for Selling Homemade Food in Netherlands
- Registration Mandate: All home-based food businesses must register with the Kamer van Koophandel (Dutch Chamber of Commerce) and notify the local Gemeente (municipality). Failure to register risks fines up to €4,500 under the Wet op de Economische Delicten.
- Hygiene Compliance: Producers must adhere to HACCP principles (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) and EU Regulation 852/2004, even for low-risk foods. Home kitchens are subject to NVWA inspections if complaints arise.
- Product Restrictions: Only certain low-risk foods (e.g., baked goods, jams, honey) qualify for simplified rules under the Warenwetbesluit Bereiding en behandeling van levensmiddelen. High-risk items (e.g., meat, dairy) require commercial-grade facilities and veterinary approval.