Start Your Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing Business in Laval Today
This page provides a practical, step-by-step roadmap to launching a cut and sew apparel manufacturing business in Laval (NAICS 315250). You'll get a clear overview of the 11 requirements you'll face, plus guidance on registrations, permits, facility readiness, and initial setup costs. It’s written to help you move from idea to action with confidence and momentum.
What you’ll learn: an overview of the 11 requirements, including the permits, registrations, costs, and a realistic timeline from start to first production. You’ll understand the exact licenses (business number, GST/HST and QST), municipal permits for building and operations, zoning considerations, safety and insurance needs, equipment and space planning, and how to budget for staffing and ongoing compliance.
Why Laval? It’s a strategic fit for a growing apparel maker—affordable industrial space, proximity to Montreal-area suppliers and manufacturers, strong logistics, and a supportive business climate. If you’re ready to launch an 315250 cut-and-sew operation here, this page helps you cover the 11 requirements, stay compliant, and accelerate your path to a first production run.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a cut-and-sew apparel manufacturing business in Laval is Business Licence. This licence from the City of Laval is legally required to run your operation, and you cannot legally operate without it. It’s non-negotiable, so secure this first before doing anything else.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, and permits come next. You’ll need to align with Apparel Product Safety Standards for your garments and follow Apparel Labeling Requirements so your products carry the proper information. If you employ people, you must register for CNESST (the workers’ compensation program) and set up payroll deductions. Depending on how you structure the business, you may also need Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration; these are essential if you choose a partnership or a corporation and are part of staying compliant as you grow.
Business Registration & Tax: Beyond licences and product rules, you’ll handle key registrations and tax numbers. Obtain a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) for federal tax accounts, and register with the Registraire des entreprises to get your Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) and complete the Quebec Business Registration (REQ). If your revenue crosses thresholds, you’ll also need GST/HST registration (and, in Quebec, related QST considerations). These numbers keep your business compliant and ready to operate smoothly.
Encouragement: You’re on the right track—start by confirming your municipal licence needs, then decide your business structure, and promptly secure BN, NEQ, and REQ registrations. Set up product labeling and safety processes, and arrange payroll and CNESST coverage if you hire. If you reach out to Laval’s small-business resources or a local accountant, you’ll get a practical checklist and a clear path forward to launch confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a cut and sew apparel manufacturing (except contractors) in Laval:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in Ville de Laval. Apply to Ville de Laval 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 Laval 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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Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) Registration RequiredRegistration 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.
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Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises) RequiredAll 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).
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired 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.
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Apparel Product Safety Standards ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Apparel products must meet safety standards for flammability, drawstrings, small parts (children), and chemical content restrictions. Canada Consumer Product Safety Act compliance. Flammability requirements for children's sleepwear. No prohibited substances (lead, phthalates). Product testing. Recall procedures. Incident reporting. Contact Health Canada: 1-866-662-0666.
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Quebec Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired 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).
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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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Quebec CNESST Employer Registration (Workers Compensation) ConditionalRequired 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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Apparel Labeling Requirements ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Apparel manufacturers must comply with textile labeling (fiber content, care), country of origin, and dealer identification requirements. Textile Labelling Act compliance. CA identification number from Competition Bureau. Bilingual labels (English/French). Fibre content percentages. Dealer identity. Country of origin. Contact Competition Bureau: 1-800-348-5358.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your cut and sew apparel manufacturing (except contractors):
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A non-refundable 10% corporate income tax credit on eligible capital investments made by PEI corporations involved in manufacturing and processing. Claimed via T2 Schedule 321 filed with the corporation's T2 return. An additional Enriched Investment Tax Credit (up to 25%) is available through Innovation PEI for strategic-sector manufacturers requiring pre-approval …
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