(1) To qualify for a new cottage food operator permit issued under chapter 69.22 RCW, the Washington Cottage Food Operator Act, a cottage food operator must first make application to the department. The new applicant may submit at anytime of the year.

(2) By applying for a cottage food operation permit, the applicant acknowledges the jurisdiction of the department and state of Washington in all matters related to the cottage food operation.

(3) By applying for a cottage food operation permit, the applicant recognizes the authority of the department under RCW 69.22.060 and expressly grants the department or other inspection agent approved by the department the right to enter the applicant's premises during normal business hours or at other reasonable times to:

(a) Inspect the portion of the premises where the cottage food operation products, ingredients, or packaging materials are stored, produced, packaged, or labeled;

(b) Inspect records related to the sales, storage, production, packaging, or labeling of the cottage food operation products, ingredients, or packaging materials; and

(c) Obtain samples of cottage food operation products, ingredients, or packaging materials.

(4) Inspections may be conducted as a condition of ongoing permitting, after receiving an initial or a renewal application, upon notification of a change to an application, upon receipt of a complaint, or as required to enforce or administer chapter 69.22 RCW and this chapter. Inspections may be announced or unannounced.

(5) The department shall deny applications for permit where the applicant refuses to allow the inspection of the premises or records, fails to provide samples as provided in this section, or fails to provide the department with the consent described in subsection (3) of this section, or fails to provide the department with all required application information.

(6) To renew a permit, a cottage food operator must submit a renewal application and fees before the operator's current permit expires. If the department has received a renewal application and fees before the prior permit's expiration date, the time period of the prior permit extends until the department either issues the renewed permit or denies the renewal application. If an operator does not timely submit a renewal application or fees, the prior permit expires upon the expiration date. The operator must cease all cottage food production.