Launch Your Flower, Nursery Stock, and Florists' Supplies Merchant Wholesalers in Laval
This page is your practical starter guide to launching a Flower, Nursery Stock, and Florists' Supplies Merchant Wholesalers business in Laval. It lays out what you need to prepare and the 11 requirements you’ll need to satisfy before you can legally operate. You’ll get a clear overview of permits and licenses, registrations like a business number and GST/HST, expected startup costs, and a realistic timeline from setup to first orders.
You’ll learn the exact steps to take next: which permits and registrations apply in Laval, how much they typically cost, and the range of ongoing expenses for insurance, warehousing, and equipment. We’ll map out the timeline—from securing space to completing inspections, obtaining approvals, and launching your supplier relationships. You’ll also get practical action items: confirm zoning, choose a space, source nursery stock and floral supplies, and build your basic product mix and contracts with vendors.
Why Laval works for this niche? Proximity to Montreal markets, strong logistics, and affordable industrial space help you reach retailers fast while keeping costs manageable.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a flower, nursery stock, and florists' supplies merchant wholesalers in Laval is Business Licence. This license from the city is legally required to run your business and you cannot legally operate without it. It is non-negotiable, so securing the Laval licence should be your immediate first step before doing anything else.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, and permits. In addition to the licence, you must meet product safety and recall obligations, ensuring your goods comply with safety standards and having a clear plan to manage any recalls. If you employ people, you’ll also need to address workers’ safety through CNESST (Quebec’s workers’ compensation system), which provides coverage for employees. Depending on your activities, additional permits or inspections may apply, so it’s wise to check with Laval and provincial authorities to confirm what rests on your specific business model.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need registration and tax numbers to operate smoothly. This includes obtaining a Business Number (BN) from the federal government, plus a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) and completing Quebec’s Registraire des entreprises (REQ) registration. Your structure may also require Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration. Depending on your plans, you may also need an Import/Export Business Number if you trade across borders and GST/HST Registration if you meet activity thresholds. If you hire staff, Payroll Deductions Registration will be part of your obligations, and CNESST coverage applies to Canadian employers in Quebec.
Encouragement: Start with the Laval municipal licence, then line up your BN, NEQ, and REQ registrations, followed by any industry-specific permits and tax registrations. Tackle these in small steps with a simple compliance calendar, and you’ll build a solid foundation for a compliant, smoothly operating business. If you’d like, I can draft a tailored che
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a flower, nursery stock, and florists' supplies merchant wholesalers in Laval:
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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 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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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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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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