Launch a Brick, Stone and Related Construction Materials Wholesaler in Saint John
This page lays out the practical path to launching a Brick, Stone and Related Construction Materials Wholesaler in Saint John (NAICS 423320). It provides a clear overview of 10 startup requirements, the permits you’ll likely need, expected startup costs, and a realistic timeline from idea to inventory. Use it as a friendly, no-surprise checklist to map your launch and stay on track.
You’ll learn the essential steps, including business registration, obtaining a GST/HST number, and securing a municipal business license. It covers zoning and storage requirements, supplier contracts, insurance and Workers’ Compensation coverage, plus warehousing and logistics basics. The guide highlights the permits and compliance you’ll face, plus a practical cost range for setup, licenses, inventory, and initial marketing, and a clear timeline to reach market readiness.
Saint John’s growing construction scene, Atlantic freight access, and supportive local business climate make this a solid fit for a brick, stone and related construction materials wholesaler.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a brick, stone, and related construction material merchant wholesaler in Saint John is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legally required standard you cannot operate without, and it applies to every product you sell or distribute. It’s non-negotiable: you must have robust processes to ensure products meet safety rules and a clear plan for handling recalls if any issue arises.
Beyond the critical safety obligation, you’ll need to cover mandatory operational needs around health, safety, and permits. Make sure you have NB Worker Safety coverage through WorkSafeNB for all employees, and obtain a valid business licence to operate in Saint John. Depending on your activities, you may also need additional permits or registrations tied to running a wholesale materials business, so confirm local and provincial requirements early to avoid delays.
For the business registration and tax side, prepare the core accounts you’ll need. You’ll typically register a Business Number (BN) with the federal government for GST/HST, payroll deductions, and any import/export activities. Decide whether you’ll operate under a registered New Brunswick business name (SNB) or form a corporation (NB Corporation Registration). Complete GST/HST registration, and set up payroll deductions if you have employees. If you plan to import or export goods, obtain the corresponding Import/Export number as part of CRA registration.
Next steps: start by securing the Product Safety and Recall obligations pathway so you’re compliant from day one, then tackle licences and safety coverage in parallel. Reach out to Saint John’s licensing authorities and Service NB for your business licence and name registration, set up your BN with the CRA (including GST/HST and payroll accounts), and confirm WorkSafeNB coverage. With a clear plan and the right registrations in place, you’ll be ready to grow your wholesale business confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a brick, stone, and related construction material merchant wholesalers in Saint John:
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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 Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saint John. Apply to City of Saint John 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 Saint John Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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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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