Launch Your Laval Jewelry & Precious Metals Wholesale Business
This page is your practical starter guide to launching a Jewelry, Watch, Precious Stone, and Precious Metal Merchant Wholesalers business in Laval (NAICS 423940). Discover the 11 essential requirements you’ll need to meet—from business registration and tax IDs to local permits and zoning checks. Get a clear overview of permits, licensing, and the costs and timeline involved so you can plan a smooth path from idea to active operation.
Here’s what you’ll learn: which registrations and licenses you need (business number, GST/HST, and other tax IDs), Laval permits and zoning steps for wholesale activity, essential insurance and security setups, how to line up suppliers and manage inventory, typical startup costs (licenses, insurance, inventory, and operations), and a practical timeline from registration to your first shipment—plus ongoing compliance and record-keeping.
Laval is a thriving wholesale hub with easy access to Montreal’s markets, strong logistics, and a growing consumer base for fine jewelry and precious metals, making it a smart fit for your business dreams.
Requirements Overview
Product Safety and Recall Obligations are the most critical requirement for operating a jewelry, watch, precious stone, and precious metal merchant wholesale business in Laval. This is a legal must — you cannot legally sell these items without meeting product safety standards, proper labeling, and a clear recall plan. You should verify supplier certifications, maintain traceability for your inventory, and have a straightforward process to notify customers and regulators if a safety issue occurs. This non-negotiable obligation protects consumers and your license to operate.
Beyond safety, your day-to-day operations must follow health, safety, and permit rules. You’ll need a Laval municipal business licence, and if you have staff, you must address workplace health and safety through the Quebec CNESST program. If you plan to import or export goods, be prepared for cross-border compliance and associated numbers. Depending on your structure, you may register as a partnership or pursue corporation registration to align with your growth plans and legal requirements.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll typically register with the Quebec enterprise registrar (REQ) and obtain a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) for Quebec operations. For federal tax purposes, you’ll also need a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Business Number (BN) to handle GST/HST, payroll deductions, and remittances. In Quebec, you may be subject to the QST as well, and if you hire employees, you must register for CNESST workers’ compensation. These registrations keep you compliant across provincial and federal tax and regulatory systems.
Encouragement and next steps: Start by clarifying your business structure and licensing needs in Laval, then apply for the BN (CRA), NEQ (REQ), and municipal licence. Decide on partnership versus corporation and set up payroll and CNESST registrations if you’ll have staff. If you’ll import or export, obtain the Import/Export Number. With these steps in place, you’ll be on a pra
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a jewelry, watch, precious stone, and precious metal merchant wholesalers in Laval:
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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 Laval. Apply to Ville de Laval 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 Laval 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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