Start a Saint John Construction and Mining Equipment Wholesaler
This page helps you start a Construction and Mining Equipment Wholesaler (NAICS 423810) in Saint John. It offers a practical, step-by-step overview of the 10 essential requirements, plus the permits you'll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from plan to inventory to customers.
What you'll learn includes the exact registrations and licenses (business registration, GST/HST, payroll and workers’ compensation), the zoning and facility permits wholesale operations require, and how to budget ongoing costs like insurance, warehousing, and fleet management. We also outline rough timelines for each milestone so you can plan with confidence.
Saint John’s strong industrial ecosystem, port access, and reasonable costs make it a smart base for a heavy machinery wholesale business. With local suppliers, logistics support, and access to Atlantic Canada markets, you’ll be well positioned to tackle the 10 requirements and launch your business smoothly.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a construction and mining (except oil well) machinery and equipment merchant wholesalers in Saint John is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legally required obligation you cannot operate without; you must have systems in place to ensure products comply with safety standards, maintain proper documentation, and act quickly if a recall is needed. This requirement is non-negotiable and non‑optional.
Beyond that, there are mandatory operational requirements that cover health, safety, and permits. You’ll need to protect workers by meeting NB’s health and safety rules, including obtaining New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage. It’s also essential to have a valid Business Licence to legally operate in Saint John. Grouped with these compliance items, it’s important to keep up with any necessary permits or licenses tied to your business activities so you can run smoothly and avoid interruptions.
For registration and taxes, you’ll want to handle the official business identifiers and tax numbers. This includes registering your Business Number (BN) with the federal government, registering your New Brunswick business name (SNB), and choosing your legal structure (Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration) as applicable. You’ll also want to plan for GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. If you intend to import or export, you’ll need the Import/Export Business Number as part of your setup.
You’ve got this! A practical next step is to confirm which registrations apply to your specific business structure, then contact Service NB and the Canada Revenue Agency to get the BN, SNB, GST/HST, and payroll registrations in place. As you gather these pieces, you’ll build a solid, compliant foundation and feel confident moving forward. If you’d like, I can outline a tailored checklist based on whether you’ll operate as a sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a construction and mining (except oil well) machinery and equipment 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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