Launch a Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing Business in Saint John
This page is your practical, friendly guide to starting a cut and sew apparel manufacturing business in Saint John (NAICS 315250). You’ll get a clear overview of the 10 essential requirements, the permits you’ll need, an approachable startup-cost snapshot, and a realistic timeline to move from idea to production with confidence.
What you’ll learn is a step-by-step path to compliance: a complete 10-step checklist, how to register your business, and which permits to secure (zoning, occupational health and safety, and environmental where applicable). We’ll break down licenses, labeling and product safety standards, insurance, and safe operating practices—plus a straightforward cost breakdown covering equipment, space fit-out, materials, labor, licenses, and fees. Expect a practical timeline that helps you plan for your first production run without surprises.
Saint John is a smart fit for cut and sew manufacturing: a port city with solid supplier links, relatively affordable space, and access to skilled trades. The local business ecosystem supports manufacturers looking to serve Atlantic Canada and nearby markets. With these 10 clear requirements and practical steps, you can launch confidently and start turning fabric into finished pieces sooner.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Saint John, NB is the Business Licence. This license is a legal permission you must have before you can operate, so you cannot legally run your cut-and-sew apparel manufacturing without it. It’s non-negotiable—operate without it at your own risk of fines or shutdown, so securing the licence as your first step is essential.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, and permits come next. You’ll need New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to protect your workers and comply with provincial safety rules. You should also meet Apparel Product Safety Standards and Apparel Labeling Requirements for your garments, so your products are safe and accurately labeled. If you plan to hire staff, set up Payroll Deductions Registration to handle payroll taxes. These items group into the essential compliance framework that keeps your operation lawful, safe, and responsible for your employees and customers.
Business Registration & Tax: In addition to licensing, you’ll manage business identity and taxes. Obtain a Business Number (BN) registration with the federal government to handle taxes and payroll interactions. If your business name isn’t your personal name, complete New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB). You’ll also consider GST/HST Registration if your sales qualify, and Payroll Deductions Registration for employee withholdings. Depending on your structure, you may need NB Corporation Registration or Partnership Registration.
Encouragement: Start with the Business Licence application and then tackle the registration steps in a practical order (BN, SNB, taxation, and payroll). From there, align safety, product standards, and labeling, and choose the right corporate or partnership structure. If you’d like, I can outline a simple 4-week action plan with links to the exact forms and local contacts to keep you moving confidently toward compliant production in Saint John.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a cut and sew apparel manufacturing (except contractors) in Saint John:
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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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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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