Launch a Fredericton Clothing and Accessories Merchant Wholesalers Business
This page is your practical starter guide to launching a Clothing and Clothing Accessories Merchant Wholesalers business in Fredericton. We translate NAICS 424350 into actionable steps, with a clear overview of the 10 requirements you’ll need to meet, the licenses and registrations to expect, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from idea to launch. It’s designed to be simple and actionable, so you can plan with confidence instead of guesswork.
By reading this, you’ll learn exactly what to prepare: the 10 requirements (from registering your business to securing supplier agreements), which licenses and permits apply in Fredericton, estimated startup costs (inventory, warehousing, insurance, and licenses), and a practical timeline to move from approval to opening your wholesale channel. We’ll also cover ongoing compliance, tax registrations, and how to work with suppliers to stock a compelling range of clothing and accessories.
Why Fredericton works: a supportive business climate, affordable warehousing options, and strong connections to Atlantic Canadian suppliers. The city’s straightforward permitting process for small- to mid-size wholesalers helps you move quickly from planning to selling, with local resources and networks to lean on as you grow your brand.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a clothing and clothing accessories merchant wholesaler in Fredericton is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement, and you cannot legally sell or distribute apparel without meeting the applicable product safety standards and having a plan to handle recalls if needed. Because this protects customers and reduces risk to your business, it is non-negotiable and should be your starting point.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, permits. Beyond safety, you must run a safe workplace and obtain the necessary permits to operate. Ensure you have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to protect employees and meet workplace safety rules. You’ll also need the core permission and registration steps to legally run in Fredericton, such as a valid Business Licence and proper registration of your business name (SNB) as part of establishing your entity.
Business Registration & Tax: Business registration and tax numbers are the next essential layer. You’ll typically register for a Business Number (BN) with the federal government, and register your business name (SNB) in New Brunswick. Depending on your structure, you may need Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration if you incorporate. For ongoing taxes, plan for GST/HST Registration, Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees, and an Import/Export Business Number if you trade across borders.
Encouragement: Next steps: map out your structure, pick a corporate form (sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation), and start the registrations in parallel. Gather documents, set up a compliance calendar, and consider a quick consult with a small-business advisor or lawyer to confirm deadlines. With a clear plan, you’ll move from setup to selling confidently, knowing you’re fully compliant.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a clothing and clothing accessories 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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