Start Your Montreal Coal and Other Mineral and Ore Merchant Wholesalers

This page helps you launch a Montreal-based coal and other mineral and ore merchant wholesalers business (NAICS 423520). It breaks down the 11 essential requirements you’ll need to meet—from business registration and tax numbers to permits, licenses, and basic protections like insurance. You’ll get a clear, practical path to move from idea to operation.

You’ll learn exactly what permits and licenses you may need (municipal business permit, provincial registrations, and, if you trade across borders, import/export permissions). We cover costs you should expect (registration and license fees, insurance, initial inventory, workspace) and a realistic timeline—from a few weeks to a couple of months—to get your doors open. Also included: CRA GST/HST and Quebec TPS/TVQ steps.

Montreal’s strong logistics, ports, and supplier networks make it a smart place to launch this business. With 11 clear requirements outlined and practical tips for staying compliant, you’ll navigate registrations, permits, costs, and timelines with confidence and get to market faster.

Business Type
Coal and Other Mineral and Ore Merchant Wholesalers
Location
Montreal

Requirements Overview

The most critical requirement for operating a coal and other mineral and ore merchant wholesaler in Montreal is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you cannot bypass—your products must meet applicable safety standards, proper labeling and testing requirements, and you must have a plan to carry out recalls if a safety issue arises. Non-compliance can stop your business in its tracks and expose you to penalties, so this is non-negotiable.

Mandatory Operational Requirements include health, safety, and permits. Focus on protecting workers and customers by maintaining ongoing compliance with product safety obligations and having a clear recall process, plus ensuring a safe workplace through the Quebec CNESST (employer workers’ compensation) regime. A valid local business licence is also needed to operate legally in Montreal, signaling that you’ve met municipal and regulatory expectations before handling goods or serving customers.

Business Registration & Tax essentials cover the formal registration and tax numbers you’ll need to lawfully run and grow your business. You’ll typically register for a Business Number (BN) with the federal government and a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) for province-wide dealings, along with registration with Registraire des entreprises (REQ). Depending on your business structure, you may pursue Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration. If you import or export, you’ll obtain an Import/Export Business Number; and you’ll handle GST/HST registration, Payroll Deductions, and related employer obligations.

Starting step-by-step: map out these requirements, prioritize the critical safety and licensing items, then tackle the registration numbers and tax steps. By taking it one practical step at a time and seeking a bit of local guidance, you’ll build a compliant, thriving operation. Reach out to the relevant agencies or a local business advisor to set a concrete action plan.

Detailed Requirements

Here are the specific requirements for starting a coal and other mineral and ore merchant wholesalers in Montreal:

  • Product Safety and Recall Obligations Required
    Wholesalers 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.
  • Business Licence Required
    General business licence required to operate a business in Ville de Montreal. Apply to Ville de Montréal 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 Ville de Montréal Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
  • Business Number (BN) Registration Required
    A 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).
  • Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) Registration Required
    Registration of business with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar. Register with Registraire des entreprises du Québec: 1. Access quebec.ca/entreprises services 2. Complete declaration of registration online 3. Pay registration fee ($38 sole proprietorship, $367 corporation) 4. Receive NEQ (Numéro d'entreprise du Québec) Annual registration fee: $35 (exempt first 2 years). Annual update declaration required. 30-day deadline for changes.
  • Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises) Required
    All businesses operating in Quebec must register with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec (Quebec Enterprise Registrar). This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Registration provides a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) which is required for all business activities including banking, licensing, and tax purposes. Unlike other provinces, registration is mandatory for ALL businesses in Quebec, not just those with a business name different from the owner. Registration can be completed online. Annual declarations must be filed to keep the registration current. Register with Registraire des entreprises within 60 days of starting business. Required for sole proprietors operating under trade name, partnerships, and corporations. $39 for sole proprietorship, $60 for partnership. Receive NEQ (Quebec Enterprise Number).
  • Partnership Registration Conditional
    Required if operating as partnership. Registration of general or limited partnerships in Quebec. Register partnership with Registraire des entreprises: 1. Complete declaration of registration 2. Provide partner information 3. Submit registration 4. Pay registration fee General and limited partnerships. NEQ assigned upon registration. Annual update declaration required.
  • Import/Export Business Number Conditional
    Required 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.
  • Quebec Corporation Registration Conditional
    Required if incorporating in Quebec. Incorporation of a company under Quebec law. Incorporate through Registraire des entreprises: 1. Conduct name search (NUANS) 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through quebec.ca or registry office 4. Pay incorporation fee ($367) Annual reporting required. Must file annual update declaration. Federal incorporation alternative available ($200).
  • GST/HST Registration Conditional
    Required 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.
  • Payroll Deductions Registration Conditional
    Required 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.
  • Quebec CNESST Employer Registration (Workers Compensation) Conditional
    Required if you have employees in Quebec. Employers in Quebec must register with the CNESST (Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail) and maintain coverage for workers. CNESST provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases under Quebec's workers' compensation system. Most employers are required to register within 60 days of hiring their first worker. Employers pay contributions (premiums) based on their business activity classification and assessable payroll. Register with CNESST within 60 days of hiring first employee. CNESST provides workplace health and safety coverage. Premium rates based on industry classification. Annual declaration of wages required by March 14.

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