Start Your Montreal Industrial and Personal Service Paper Merchant Wholesale Business
This Montreal-focused guide helps you launch an Industrial and Personal Service Paper Merchant Wholesaler (NAICS 424130). It covers the 11 requirements you’ll need to meet to operate legally, from business registration and tax accounts to potential licenses. You’ll get a practical overview of permits, zoning, and safety inspections that apply to a paper warehouse, plus start-up costs and a realistic timeline from registration to first shipment.
Learn the exact steps: what to file, where to apply, and typical processing times. We break down the 11 requirements into a simple checklist, plus guidance on costs for licenses, insurance, warehouse space, and initial inventory. Expect a practical, month-by-month timeline from opening your doors to stocking your first orders. We’ll also point you to key Quebec and Montreal resources, like the Registraire des entreprises, Revenu Québec, CNESST, and local chambers of commerce.
Why Montreal works: this city is a strategic hub for industrial suppliers, with easy access to rail, ports, and a wide customer base across manufacturing and service sectors. A bilingual market helps you reach both Francophone and Anglophone customers, while a vibrant business ecosystem offers networking and support as you scale your operation.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement among the listed items is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal must for operating in Montreal, and you cannot legally sell or distribute products without meeting safety standards and having a plan to handle recalls if something goes wrong. Think of it as the foundation that protects customers and keeps your business compliant from day one. Alongside this, you’ll also need a Business Licence to operate and to begin the other registrations that fit your situation.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to product safety, you’ll need health and safety measures and the necessary permits. This includes registering with the Quebec CNESST for workers’ compensation and workplace safety, so you can properly protect and support your employees. You’ll also want to ensure you have the required local permits and licences to operate in Montreal, and that safety training and safe handling procedures are in place for your staff and facilities.
Business Registration & Tax: To run a compliant company, you’ll obtain several identifiers. Register your business with the Registraire des entreprises in Quebec to get your NEQ, and handle any Partnership or Corporation registrations if that’s your chosen structure. You’ll also manage federal and provincial numbers: a Business Number (BN) for CRA tax accounts, and, if you’re engaged in import/export, an Import/Export number. For taxes, plan for GST/HST registration and payroll deductions registration so you can remit taxes and withhold for employees.
Encouragement: Start with a compliance check and map out which structures apply to you (sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation). Gather the needed documents, and reach out to the relevant government portals or a local advisor to begin applications. Taking small, steady steps now will make the whole process smoother and get you into business quickly and confidently. You’ve got this—just take the first step today.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a industrial and personal service paper merchant wholesalers in Montreal:
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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 Ville de Montreal. Apply to Ville de Montréal 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 Montréal 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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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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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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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.
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