Start Your Footwear Manufacturing in Quebec City Today
This page shows how to start a footwear manufacturing business in Quebec City (NAICS 316210). It offers a practical, step-by-step overview of the nine requirements you’ll need to meet, plus where to find permits, licenses, and registrations. From choosing a legal structure to selecting factory space and equipment, you’ll get a clear path to a successful launch.
You’ll learn the specifics: the permits and inspections you’ll need, typical startup costs (equipment, lease, payroll, insurance), and a realistic timeline from planning to your first production run. We break down each of the nine requirements so you can plan, budget, and stay compliant.
Quebec City is a strong fit for footwear manufacturing thanks to skilled labor, local suppliers, and supportive programs for small manufacturers. Access to grants and incentives, plus a growing maker ecosystem, helps you move from idea to scale. With a clear local network of fabricators, materials suppliers, and industry services, you can shorten lead times and improve margins.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a footwear manufacturing business in Quebec City is Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises). This is a legal must before you begin operations, and you cannot legally run your business in Quebec without it. When you register you’ll receive a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) that identifies your company and confirms your chosen legal structure. Think of this as the foundational doorway to all other registrations and licenses.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to registering your business, you’ll need to cover health and safety and product-specific rules. If you employ people, you must register with the CNESST for workers’ compensation. Depending on your products, Leather and Fur Product Regulations may apply to labeling and safety requirements. If you choose a partnership or corporation, complete the Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration accordingly to establish your legal structure and ongoing obligations.
Business Registration & Tax: Your business will also need a BN (Business Number) for Canada Revenue Agency purposes, including GST/HST and payroll deductions. The NEQ you obtained from REQ ties into your BN. You’ll likely need GST/HST Registration once you reach thresholds, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. Keeping these numbers straight ensures you can collect taxes, remit payments, and stay compliant without surprises.
Encouragement: Start with the REQ registration to lock in your NEQ, then map out whether you’ll operate as a partnership or corporation. Reach out to CNESST and the CRA early to set up accounts, and build a simple compliance checklist for product regulations. With a clear plan and solid registrations in place, you’ll move from idea to production with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a footwear manufacturing in Quebec City:
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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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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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