Launch a Flower, Nursery Stock, and Florists' Supplies Wholesale Business in Moncton
This page provides a practical, 10-step roadmap to launch a Flower, Nursery Stock, and Florists' Supplies Merchant Wholesalers business in Moncton. You’ll get a clear overview of the required steps, the permits you may need, and the costs to budget for, plus a realistic timeline to help you move from idea to inventory with confidence.
You’ll learn the essential permits and registrations, including setting up your CRA business number and GST/HST registration, as well as any province-wide or Moncton-specific licenses and zoning checks for a wholesale facility. We break down startup costs—from space, insurance, and inventory to licensing—so you can plan realistically. The guide also lays out a step-by-step timeline to register, secure space, stock products, and open your doors.
Moncton offers a favorable mix of location, access to growers and retailers, and local business support, making it a strong fit for a wholesale floral operation. With the right plan, you can tap into Atlantic Canada’s growing market and scale your Flower, Nursery Stock, and Florists' Supplies business with confidence.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a flower, nursery stock, and florists' supplies merchant wholesalers in Moncton is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement to ensure the products you sell are safe and that you can pull a defective item from the market if needed. You cannot legally operate without meeting these obligations; failure can bring fines, recalls, or damage to your reputation. This is non-negotiable. Put simply: set up safety checks, clear labels, supplier traceability, and a practical recall plan before you start selling.
Mandatory operational requirements cover health, safety, and permits. Make sure you have a current Business Licence to operate your wholesale business. You also need NB WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to meet workplace safety rules and protect your staff. These items are compulsory for daily operations and help ensure safe handling of plants, tools, and customers.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll set up SNB and BN and choose your structure. New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) is required if you aren’t operating as a corporation. If you form a partnership, file Partnership Registration. For a corporation, complete NB Corporation Registration. You’ll also typically need a federal Business Number (BN) for tax and government filings, plus an Import/Export Business Number if you move goods across borders. Plan for GST/HST and Payroll Deductions as you hire staff.
Starting now, create a simple checklist and reach out to Service NB and the Canada Revenue Agency to confirm forms and timelines. With these steps in place, you’ll move forward confidently and stay compliant as you build your flower, nursery stock, and florists' supplies wholesale business in Moncton.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a flower, nursery stock, and florists' supplies merchant wholesalers in Moncton:
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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 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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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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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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