Launch a Leather and Hide Tanning and Finishing Business in Regina
This page provides a practical, step-by-step guide for starting a Leather and Hide Tanning and Finishing business in Regina (NAICS 316110). It translates the complex process into a clear roadmap—from initial planning to your first production run—so you can navigate Regina's local rules and market with confidence. You’ll find a straightforward overview of the nine requirements, permits, costs, and a realistic timeline to get up and running.
What you’ll learn: a concise requirements overview covering registration, zoning and permits, environmental and chemical handling rules, waste management, health and safety training, product labeling, and licenses specific to tanning and finishing (NAICS 316110). We’ll also break down the costs you should plan for and give you a practical timeline from start to first sale, including permit approvals and setup steps.
Why Regina works for a leather and hide tanning business: Regina’s growing craft and manufacturing scene, close access to local hide suppliers, and a friendly business climate help you scale. With a focused plan, the 9 key requirements become a manageable process, putting you on track to launch with confidence in Saskatchewan’s capital.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a leather and hide tanning and finishing business in Regina is the Business Licence. This licence is legally required to run a business in the city, and you cannot legally operate without it. Getting this licence first is non-negotiable and sets the foundation for everything else you’ll do.
For day-to-day operations and safety, you’ll need to handle the practical compliance items in this area. If you hire employees, Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration is required to provide workplace coverage for injuries. You’ll also need to follow Leather and Fur Product Regulations, which govern how leather and fur items are produced and sold. These operational rules help keep your shop compliant, safe, and in line with provincial product standards.
On the business-registration and tax front, you’ll want to set up the basic corporate and financial accounts. Start with Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) to legally use your trade name. You’ll also need a Business Number (BN) Registration to interact with federal and provincial tax systems. From there, register for GST/HST if your sales meet the threshold, and set up Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. Depending on your chosen structure, decide between Saskatchewan Corporation Registration or Partnership Registration and complete the appropriate registrations.
Next steps are straightforward: confirm your City of Regina business licence requirements and apply, search and register your business name with ISC, obtain a BN from the CRA, and enroll for GST/HST and payroll deductions as needed. If you plan to form a corporation or partnership, complete those registrations as well. With these foundations in place, you’ll be well-positioned to start your tanning and finishing business confidently and compliantly. If you’d like, I can outline a simple checklist tailored to your exact plans.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a leather and hide tanning and finishing in Regina:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Regina. Apply to City of Regina 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 Regina Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) RequiredBusinesses in Saskatchewan operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Corporate Registry. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed online through Corporate Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years for sole proprietorships and partnerships. Register with ISC (Information Services Corporation) for business name. Required for sole proprietorships with trade name, partnerships. $65 registration fee, $60 renewal. Name reservation valid 90 days. Online registration also registers with Ministry of Finance and CRA.
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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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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships in Saskatchewan. Register partnership with ISC: 1. Complete partnership registration form 2. Submit through ISC 3. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships. Annual return may be 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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Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Saskatchewan. Employers in Saskatchewan must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage for workers. WCB provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions for specific industries and self-employed individuals. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker or commencing operations. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification rate and assessable payroll. Register with Saskatchewan WCB for workers compensation coverage. Required for employers in mandatory industries. 2024 average premium rate $1.28 per $100 payroll. Maximum assessable earnings $104,531. Directors on T4 excluded from 2025.
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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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Saskatchewan Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Saskatchewan. Incorporation of a company under Saskatchewan law. Incorporate through ISC Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through ISC online or registry 4. Pay incorporation fees Annual return required. Federal incorporation is alternative option.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your leather and hide tanning and finishing:
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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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