Launch a Clothing and Clothing Accessories Merchant Wholesalers in Moncton
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a Clothing and Clothing Accessories Merchant Wholesalers business (NAICS 424350) in Moncton. You’ll find a clear overview of the 10 essential requirements, plus a straightforward plan for permits, registrations, and early costs. We outline a realistic timeline from the early registration to your first wholesale order, helping you avoid surprises and stay on track.
In this guide you’ll learn exactly what to do to meet the 10 requirements, choose the right business structure, and get compliant quickly. Topics include registering your business (CRA business number and GST/HST as needed), obtaining any municipal or provincial permits, securing insurance and warehousing, establishing supplier accounts, and planning startup costs and working capital. We also map a practical timeline to reach first orders.
Moncton is a growing retail and logistics hub with affordable workspace, easy access to Atlantic markets, and a supportive local business community. That mix helps you launch more quickly, keep startup costs reasonable, and build supplier relationships in a city known for friendly entrepreneurs and steady demand for apparel and accessories.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a clothing and clothing accessories merchant wholesalers in Moncton is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you must meet before selling products, and it is non-negotiable—you cannot legally operate without a solid safety program. In practice, this means ensuring all products meet applicable safety standards, keeping records of certifications and supplier information, and having a clear recall plan and a designated point of contact so you can act quickly if a problem arises.
Beyond safety, there are mandatory operational requirements around health, safety, and permits. You’ll need to protect your workers by securing New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage and adhering to workplace safety rules. You’ll also need the appropriate permits to operate, which typically includes a Business Licence from your local municipality so your business is licensed to run in Moncton.
For registrations and taxes, get your basics in place early. Register for a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, and if you’re using a business name, complete a New Brunswick Business Name registration (SNB). If you’re forming a company, you’ll handle NB Corporation Registration; plan for GST/HST if your revenue hits the threshold; and enroll for Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. If you intend to import or export goods, you’ll also need an Import/Export Business Number.
Next steps: start with the Product Safety and Recall obligations and build a simple compliance plan, then contact Moncton’s licensing office and a local accountant or business advisor to set up the registrations. Take it one step at a time—your compliance foundation will make growth smoother and give you confidence to serve customers safely and legally.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a clothing and clothing accessories merchant wholesalers in Moncton:
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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 Moncton. Apply to City of Moncton 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 Moncton 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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