Launch a Saint John Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchant Wholesaler
This page walks you through starting a Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchant Wholesalers business in Saint John (NAICS 423120). It breaks down practical steps, from registration to operations, so you can move from idea to a running wholesale operation with confidence. You’ll get a clear overview of the 10 requirements, the permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline.
What you’ll learn: the 10 requirements you must meet, from business registration and a Saint John business license to tax registrations and a workable warehouse setup. We’ll cover permits and zoning checks, insurance needs, and any provincial approvals for wholesale parts. You’ll also get practical cost ranges (fees, licenses, insurance, initial inventory) and a clear timeline—from first application to launch.
Why Saint John works: a growing industrial and logistics hub with port access and competitive operating costs. The city’s supportive small-business scene makes it easier to network with suppliers and customers across Atlantic Canada, helping your motor vehicle parts wholesale operation start strong and scale smoothly.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a motor vehicle supplies and new parts merchant wholesalers in Saint John is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is legally required and you cannot operate without it. You must have systems to ensure products meet safety standards, to report recalls promptly, and to keep the necessary records. This requirement is non-negotiable and non‑compliance would prevent you from legally selling or distributing parts.
Beyond safety rules, there are mandatory operational requirements around health, safety, and permits. You’ll need to address workplace safety by securing NB WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage, providing proper health and safety training for staff, and putting in place safe handling and storage procedures for vehicle parts. It’s also wise to have a clear recall response plan so you can act quickly if an issue arises with any product.
On the business and tax side, you’ll handle registration and numbers to operate legally. This includes obtaining a Business Licence from the local municipality, a Business Number (BN) for your accounts, and New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) if you’re registering a name locally. If you form a corporation, you’ll complete NB Corporation Registration; for partnerships you’d pursue Partnership Registration. If you import or export, you’ll obtain an Import/Export Business Number. You’ll also register for GST/HST and Payroll Deductions as applicable to your payroll and taxation needs.
Getting started is doable: confirm the critical product-safety obligations, then secure health-and-safety coverage and any necessary permits, followed by the appropriate business registrations and tax numbers. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll have a solid, compliant foundation to grow from. If you’d like, I can turn this into a simple, action-focused checklist tailored to Saint John.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a motor vehicle supplies and new parts merchant wholesalers in Saint John:
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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 Saint John. Apply to City of Saint John 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 Saint John 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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