Launch Your Footwear Merchant Wholesalers Business in Moncton
This page offers a practical, step-by-step road map to starting a Footwear Merchant Wholesalers business (NAICS 424340) in Moncton. It covers the 10 essential requirements, the permits and registrations you’ll need, estimated startup costs, and a realistic timeline from securing supplier agreements to stocking your first orders and enabling shipments.
You’ll learn exactly what to prepare: business registration and tax IDs, GST/HST registration, and a proper corporate or sole-proprietor setup. You’ll see what wholesale licenses (if required) or permits you may need, how to secure insurance and liability coverage, and how to pick a practical warehouse or office space. We cover inventory controls, supplier contracts, pricing and margins, shipping logistics, and setting up a lean back-office. Plus, a clear timeline tells you what to tackle each week and the expected cost range for starting up.
Moncton’s growing logistics network, affordable warehouse space, and proximity to Atlantic markets make it a smart place to launch a footwear wholesale business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a footwear merchant wholesaler in Moncton is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you cannot operate without: you must ensure the footwear you sell meets safety standards and you have a clear plan to handle any product recalls if a defect is found. This obligation is non-negotiable and forms the foundation of your compliance as a product seller.
The second paragraph covers mandatory operational requirements that keep your business running safely and legally. You’ll need the basic licenses and protections that apply to everyday business activities: obtain a municipal Business Licence from the City of Moncton and have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to protect workers and follow workplace safety rules. If you hire staff, there are expectations around training and safe operations, so plan for ongoing safety compliance as your team grows.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll align several registrations and numbers. You’ll have a Business Number (BN) with the federal CRA, and you’ll decide whether you need New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) if you’re operating under a trade name, or NB Corporation Registration if you incorporate. Tax registrations include GST/HST, and if you employ people, Payroll Deductions Registration. If you import or export goods, you’ll also need an Import/Export Business Number. These registrations ensure you collect and remit the right taxes and file correctly with federal and provincial authorities.
If you follow these steps and map out which registrations apply to your business model, you’re setting yourself up for a smooth start. Take the next step by checking local licensing, confirming safety obligations, and opening the necessary government accounts; you’ll gain clarity and confidence as you move forward with your Moncton footwear wholesale venture.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a footwear 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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