Launch Your Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing in Regina
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a cut and sew apparel manufacturing operation in Regina (NAICS 315250). You’ll get a clear overview of the 10 essential requirements—from business registration and licensing to facility permits and safety approvals. Learn what permits you’ll need, typical costs, and a realistic timeline to move from planning to production.
What you’ll learn: a practical 10-step checklist that covers municipal licenses, zoning, CRA registrations, GST/HST, payroll taxes, insurance, and workers’ compensation. We’ll outline expected costs for equipment, leases, and utilities, plus the permits Regina requires for manufacturing spaces and how to pace your project to avoid delays. You’ll also get tips on supplier contracts and staffing.
Why Regina is a strong fit: Regina’s central location in Saskatchewan offers access to a growing apparel supply chain, skilled local workers, and supportive municipal programs for new manufacturers. With a clear path and 10 essential requirements, you can start confidently and scale.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Regina is the City of Regina Business Licence. This licence is legally required to run any business in the city, and you cannot legally operate a cut-and-sew apparel manufacturing business in Regina without it. It’s non-negotiable and acts as the gate to doing business in the city—without it you can’t hire staff, lease space, or take orders. Once you have the licence, you can tackle the other essential steps with confidence.
Beyond the city licence, there are mandatory operational requirements to keep you compliant and safe. Grouped together, focus on health, safety, and product compliance: ensure your apparel meets applicable product safety standards and labeling requirements so garments are safe and properly labeled. If you have employees, you’ll also need to register for workers’ compensation with Saskatchewan WCB to provide coverage in case of workplace injuries. If your business structure is a partnership, you’ll need to complete Partnership Registration. These items help protect workers and customers and keep your operation running smoothly.
For registration and taxes, you’ll want to line up your foundational business numbers. Register your business name with the Saskatchewan ISC, and get a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency. Depending on your operations, you may need GST/HST Registration for tax collection, Payroll Deductions Registration for employee withholding, and Saskatchewan Corporation Registration if you’re forming a corporation. Getting these in place early helps you bill customers correctly and stay compliant from day one.
If you’re ready to move forward, start by applying for the City of Regina licence, then register your business name and obtain your BN. From there, determine GST/HST eligibility, payroll deductions, and any corporate or partnership registrations you need. With these steps in place, you’ll be on solid footing to launch your cut-and-sew apparel manufacturi
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a cut and sew apparel manufacturing (except contractors) in Regina:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Regina. Apply to City of Regina 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 Regina Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) RequiredBusinesses in Saskatchewan operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Corporate Registry. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed online through Corporate Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years for sole proprietorships and partnerships. Register with ISC (Information Services Corporation) for business name. Required for sole proprietorships with trade name, partnerships. $65 registration fee, $60 renewal. Name reservation valid 90 days. Online registration also registers with Ministry of Finance and CRA.
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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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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships in Saskatchewan. Register partnership with ISC: 1. Complete partnership registration form 2. Submit through ISC 3. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships. Annual return 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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Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Saskatchewan. Employers in Saskatchewan must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage for workers. WCB provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions for specific industries and self-employed individuals. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker or commencing operations. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification rate and assessable payroll. Register with Saskatchewan WCB for workers compensation coverage. Required for employers in mandatory industries. 2024 average premium rate $1.28 per $100 payroll. Maximum assessable earnings $104,531. Directors on T4 excluded from 2025.
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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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Saskatchewan Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Saskatchewan. Incorporation of a company under Saskatchewan law. Incorporate through ISC Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through ISC online or registry 4. Pay incorporation fees Annual return required. Federal incorporation is alternative option.
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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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