Start Your Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing in Moncton Today
This page offers a practical, friendly roadmap to launching a cut and sew apparel manufacturing business in Moncton, tailored for makers who want to produce sewn garments under NAICS 315250 (not contractors). You’ll find a clear 10-step requirements checklist, a straightforward view of permits and licenses, realistic startup costs, and a practical timeline—from concept to first production.
What you’ll learn: the 10 essential requirements to open, plus step-by-step guidance on zoning, building permits, occupational health and safety, and product liability insurance. You’ll discover which permits are municipal vs provincial, typical fees, and expected approval timelines. Get a practical budget for facility fit-out, sewing equipment, software, samples, and working capital, plus a realistic 3- to 9-month timeline.
Why Moncton is a great fit: affordable space and utility costs, a growing local apparel ecosystem, and solid transport links to Atlantic markets. With supportive municipal programs and nearby suppliers, you can move quickly from plan to production and start serving customers sooner.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a cut and sew apparel manufacturing business in Moncton is the Business Licence. This license is a legal necessity to operate in the city, so you cannot legally run your business without it. Treat it as non-negotiable from day one, and check with the City of Moncton to confirm the exact paperwork and fees you’ll need.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Beyond the licence, focus on health, safety, and permits. If you hire staff, you must have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage and keep up with workplace safety rules. Your apparel must meet product safety standards and labeling requirements so customers know what they’re buying and how to care for it. If your business structure is a partnership, you’ll need Partnership Registration; if you form a corporation, NB Corporation Registration may apply as part of that process.
Business Registration & Tax: In addition to the licence, you’ll handle key registrations and taxes. Obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency for tax and payroll purposes, and register the business name with New Brunswick (SNB) if you’ll operate under a name other than your own. If you choose a corporate structure, NB Corporation Registration may be needed. Plan for GST/HST registration as required and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees.
Encouragement and next steps: Start by confirming the local licence with Moncton and then tackle the registrations in a logical order. Gather the necessary documents, set up a simple timeline, and reach out to local resources (Service NB, CRA, WorkSafeNB) for guided, step-by-step help. With these foundations in place, you’ll be on solid ground to move your manufacturing plan forward.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a cut and sew apparel manufacturing (except contractors) in Moncton:
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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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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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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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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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