Launch a Footwear Manufacturing Business in Moncton Today
Welcome to your practical starting point for Footwear Manufacturing (NAICS 316210) in Moncton. This page lays out a clear path to launching your operation, with a nine-item regulatory checklist, a rundown of permits at federal, provincial, and municipal levels, and an honest look at the costs and timeline. You’ll find a concise overview of what you need to register, license, and qualify to begin producing in New Brunswick.
In this guide you’ll learn how to map the business structure, secure the right permits, estimate start-up costs, choose a site, and create a production plan. We cover the nine requirements, including business registration, tax numbers, municipal licenses, zoning and building permits, health and safety compliance, environmental steps, insurance, and financing readiness. We’ll also outline a practical timeline so you can plan milestones from day one.
Why Moncton? The city offers lower operating costs than bigger centers, solid logistics access to Atlantic Canada and the U.S., and active support from local economic development groups. With industrial spaces, a skilled trades workforce, and a friendly startup climate, Moncton is a practical, approachable place to bring your footwear manufacturing idea to life.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a footwear manufacturing business in Moncton is the Business Licence. This licence is issued by the local government and is mandatory to legally run any commercial operation in the city. You cannot legally operate without it, and there are penalties for starting work without one. Once you’ve obtained your licence, you’ll be ready to tackle the rest of the registrations and compliance steps.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In terms of health, safety, and permits, you’ll want to set up workers’ safety coverage with New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to protect your team and stay compliant. If your products involve leather or fur, you’ll also need to follow Leather and Fur Product Regulations to ensure your goods meet provincial standards. It’s wise to build strong safety practices early and be aware of product-specific rules as your line evolves.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need to register the business identity and tax accounts. This includes Business Number (BN) registration with the Canada Revenue Agency, New Brunswick Business Name (SNB) registration if you’re using a name other than your own, and NB Corporation Registration if you form a corporation (or Partnership Registration for a partnership). You’ll also handle GST/HST registration and payroll deductions registration, plus any related payroll remittance requirements. Getting these numbers in place helps you bill correctly, report taxes, and stay compliant from day one.
Encouragement: Start by confirming your local licence and then set up your core registrations step by step. Gather the necessary documents (business name ideas, owner details, proposed address, and ID), map out a realistic timeline, and don’t hesitate to seek help from a mentor or a regulatory contact in Moncton. You’ve got a solid foundation—one clear, practical step at a time will get you manufacturing with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a footwear manufacturing in Moncton:
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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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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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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%)
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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