Launch Your Footwear Manufacturing Business in Longueuil Today
This page is your practical, step-by-step guide to launching a footwear manufacturing business in Longueuil (NAICS 316210). It lays out a clear path with an overview of the 10 requirements, the permits and registrations you’ll typically need, estimated startup costs, and a realistic timeline from idea to production. It’s designed to be friendly, actionable, and free of jargon.
This section walks you through what you’ll learn: how to register your Quebec business and secure a business number; the municipal zoning, building, and fire permits you’ll likely encounter; GST/HST and QST registrations; CNESST safety requirements; essential insurance; and basic IP protection. You’ll also see typical startup costs (machinery, molds, facility fit‑out, materials) and a practical 6–12 month timeline to reach production, plus tips on financing and vendor onboarding.
Why Longueuil? You’ll benefit from Montreal‑area logistics, a skilled local workforce, and a welcoming business climate with programs that help new manufacturers move quickly from plan to production.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a footwear manufacturing business in Longueuil is Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by Revenu Québec and is the essential ID you need to bill taxes, hire staff, and work with suppliers. You cannot legally operate or open bank accounts, file taxes, or sign contracts without it. This is non-negotiable, so securing your BN should be your first step before moving forward.
Next come the mandatory operational requirements that cover health, safety, and permits. If you have employees, you must register for Quebec CNESST (the workers’ compensation system) and adhere to workplace safety rules. You’ll also need to comply with Leather and Fur Product Regulations to ensure your products meet safety standards. A municipal Business Licence is typically required to operate in Longueuil, and if your business is set up as a partnership or corporation, you’ll complete the appropriate registrations (Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration) as part of your day-to-day operations.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll also handle the formal identity of your company. In addition to your BN, you’ll obtain the Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) and complete the Registraire des entreprises (REQ) registration. You’ll set up tax accounts such as GST/HST Registration for sales and, if you have employees, Payroll Deductions Registration. These registrations ensure your business is properly identified with the government and that tax withholding and reporting are handled correctly.
You’re off to a great start. Next steps: decide your business structure (sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation), gather key documents, and contact Revenu Québec and the Registraire des entreprises to secure your BN, NEQ, and REQ. Then apply for the Longueuil Business Licence and set up GST/HST and payroll accounts. If you’d like, I can map out a simple checklist with deadlines to keep you on track.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a footwear manufacturing in Longueuil:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in Ville de Longueuil. Apply to Ville de Longueuil 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 Longueuil Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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Leather and Fur Product Regulations ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Leather and fur product manufacturers must comply with labeling, species identification, and ethical sourcing requirements for animal products. Fur labeling and textile regulations. Competition Bureau requirements. Country of origin. Species identification. CITES for endangered species. Contact Competition Bureau: 1-800-348-5358.
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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.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your footwear manufacturing:
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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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