Launch Your Footwear Manufacturing Business in Toronto—A Practical Guide
This page guides aspiring footwear manufacturers through the essentials of starting in Toronto under NAICS 316210. You’ll find a clear overview of the 10 essential requirements, the permits you’ll likely need, typical startup costs, and realistic timelines. It’s practical and encouraging, offering a concrete plan instead of guesswork.
What you’ll learn: a practical step-by-step roadmap—from selecting a business structure and obtaining a CRA Business Number, GST/HST registration, and payroll setup, to zoning and building permits, occupancy approvals, safety compliance, insurance, and environmental considerations. We’ll outline each requirement, include typical fees, and estimate how long each step may take to help you budget and schedule.
Why Toronto? It’s Canada’s manufacturing hub with a large local market, access to skilled labor and suppliers, and supportive programs for small manufacturers. With 10 clear steps, a practical budget, and a workable timeline, you can move from idea to production faster and start building a resilient footwear brand.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a footwear manufacturing business in Toronto is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is a legal requirement in Ontario, and you cannot legally run your factory without implementing the necessary safety programs, worker training, hazard assessments, incident reporting, and ongoing compliance with the OHS Act. Think of it as the foundation that protects your team and keeps the business running smoothly.
Next come the mandatory operational requirements that keep the workplace safe and compliant. Grouped together, this includes Retail Fire Safety Compliance (Ontario Fire Code measures for the facility), Leather and Fur Product Regulations (handling and labeling rules for materials you’ll use and produce), and Employment Standards Compliance (following rules on wages, hours, vacations, and fair treatment). Also essential is WSIB Registration and Coverage, which provides workers’ compensation coverage for your employees. Ensuring these elements are in place helps prevent penalties and supports a safe, fair workplace.
For business registration and tax-related steps, you’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency for tax filing and payroll purposes, and you may need Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) if you operate under a name other than your own. A Municipal Business Licence may be required depending on your location in Toronto, and GST/HST Registration is needed if your revenue meets the threshold (or you choose to register voluntarily). If you have employees, Payroll D deductions Registration is also part of the setup.
You’re off to a strong start—now map out a simple compliance plan and tackle each step one by one. Start with confirming OHS obligations and safety setups, then align licensing and registrations with ServiceOntario and City of Toronto rules. If you want, I can help you build a practical, step-by-step checklist and timeline to keep you on track. You’ve got thi
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a footwear manufacturing in Toronto:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Toronto. Apply to City of Toronto 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 Toronto Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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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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Retail Fire Safety Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Retail establishments must comply with Ontario Fire Code including fire alarm systems, emergency exits, evacuation plans, and maximum occupancy limits. Ontario Fire Code applies. Fire safety plan required for retail. Means of egress compliance. Fire extinguisher requirements. Occupant load calculations. Annual fire drill. Portable fire extinguisher monthly inspections. Emergency lighting. Exit signs. Fire alarm testing. Sprinkler inspections if applicable. Contact local fire department for inspections.
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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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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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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
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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