Launch Your Fredericton Automobile and Other Motor Vehicle Wholesale Business
This page is your practical guide to starting a Fredericton-based business in the Automobile and Other Motor Vehicle Merchant Wholesalers sector (NAICS 423110). It outlines the 10 essential requirements you’ll need to meet to operate legally in New Brunswick. You’ll find a clear overview of registrations, licenses, and permits, plus a realistic look at initial costs and a reasonable timeline from startup to opening day.
What you’ll learn ranges from the exact permits and registrations to expected costs and timelines. We break down each of the 10 requirements—what to apply for, who to contact in Fredericton and New Brunswick, and how to prepare your site and insurance. You’ll also get practical tips on budgeting, steps to secure a GST/HST number, a dealer license, municipal permit, and the right accounting setup to stay compliant.
Why Fredericton? The city offers a strong market, accessible regional supply chains, and a welcoming business climate that helps wholesale auto businesses grow.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating an automobile and other motor vehicle merchant wholesaler in Fredericton is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you cannot operate without, and it is non-negotiable. Alongside this, you’ll also need to meet other essential registrations that keep you compliant: a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, a Business Licence where required, and New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) if you use a trade name. These items are mandatory to legally run your business in the province and across Canada.
In terms of daily operation, you must address health and safety and obtain necessary permits. This includes protecting employees and customers with proper precautions and workplace coverage through New Brunswick’s WorkSafeNB. You’ll also want to align recalls and product safety processes with your ongoing operations. Depending on your business structure, you may need to handle Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration, and ensure any import/export activities comply with relevant provincial and federal rules.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll typically need to secure a BN from the CRA to handle tax accounts and payroll, register your NB business name (SNB) if applicable, and set up GST/HST registration if your sales meet the threshold. If you have employees, you’ll handle Payroll Deductions Registration. If you import or export vehicles, you’ll use an Import/Export Business Number. If you operate as a corporation or partnership, complete the appropriate registration (NB Corporation or Partnership Registration). These steps ensure you’re properly set up to file taxes, report payroll, and maintain clear business identity.
You’re taking on something practical, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Start by confirming the Product Safety and Recall Obligations, then line up your BN, SNB, and any required Business Licence. Reach out to Service NB and the CRA f
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a automobile and other motor vehicle merchant wholesalers in Fredericton:
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Product Safety and Recall Obligations RequiredWholesalers must ensure products meet Canadian safety standards and report serious incidents. Must participate in product recalls and maintain records for traceability. No registration - compliance law. Manufacturers/importers/sellers must ensure products are safe. MANDATORY REPORTING to Health Canada if: death/serious injury occurred or could occur, defects found, inadequate labeling, or recall in other jurisdiction. Keep records 6 years. Penalties: fines, seizure, criminal charges. Report incidents online or call 1-866-662-0666.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Fredericton. Apply to City of Fredericton for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Fredericton Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) RequiredBusinesses in New Brunswick must register their business name with Service New Brunswick if operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations and licensing. Registration can be completed online through SNB Online. Business name registrations for sole proprietorships and partnerships must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in New Brunswick: 1. Conduct name search ($13.80) 2. Complete registration through SNB Online 3. Pay $112 registration fee (includes Royal Gazette) 4. Receive certificate of business name 5. Renew every 5 years ($62) 6. Report any changes as required
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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Import/Export Business Number ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Wholesalers engaged in importing or exporting goods must register for an import/export account with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in addition to their CRA Business Number. As of Oct 21, 2024, register RM account through CBSA's CARM Client Portal (not CRA). Need BN9 first - get via CARM or CRA's BRO. FREE registration. Required for importing/exporting commercial goods. Ensure all business names match exactly to avoid border delays. CBSA manages RM accounts; CRA issues BN9. Contact CBSA Border Information Service: 1-800-461-9999.
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NB Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in New Brunswick. Incorporation under NB law. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in New Brunswick. Employers in New Brunswick must register with WorkSafeNB (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) and maintain coverage for workers. WorkSafeNB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with limited exceptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of commencing business operations or hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their classification unit rate and assessable payroll. To register with WorkSafeNB: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register with WorkSafeNB online or by phone 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($1.18/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Experience rating affects rate (+80% to -40%)
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