Launch Your Montreal 423990 Other Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers
This page gives you a practical, step-by-step roadmap to launching a 423990: Other Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers business in Montreal. You’ll find a clear overview of what you need to do—from choosing a business structure to filing the right registrations, securing space, and lining up suppliers and customers. We highlight an 11-item requirements overview, the permits you’ll need, and the realistic timelines that keep you moving forward.
On this page you’ll learn the essentials: the permits required by Montreal and Quebec, which tax registrations apply (CRA GST/HST and Revenu Québec QST), and typical startup costs. We map a practical timeline—from set-up to first shipment—and offer budgeting tips for space, insurance, and ongoing compliance. You’ll also get guidance on choosing a legal structure, setting up banking and accounting, and coordinating supplier and buyer relationships.
Montreal’s robust logistics, bilingual market, and thriving wholesale ecosystem make this a smart fit. With the right planning, you can move from paperwork to first order quickly and start building traction in a competitive but rewarding market.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Montreal is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. These obligations are legally required for anyone selling durable goods, and you cannot legally operate without meeting them. In Quebec, that means ensuring your products meet applicable safety standards, have clear labeling, and that you have a process in place to act quickly if a product safety issue triggers a recall. Treat this as non-negotiable work: without robust safety and recall controls, you cannot legally ship or sell goods to customers.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Beyond product safety, you’ll need permits and compliance measures to keep things running smoothly. Secure a Business Licence to operate in Montreal and Quebec, and make sure you’re aligned with general workplace rules. You should also arrange for CNESST coverage (Workers’ Compensation) for employees and set up any required payroll deductions. If you have partners, confirm Partnership Registration where applicable, and if you import or export goods, obtain the Import/Export Business Number so your cross‑border activity is properly recorded.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need your Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency and a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) for provincial dealings. Register with the Registraire des entreprises (REQ) and decide on your business structure (partnership or corporation) with the corresponding Quebec registrations. For cross-border trade, the Import/Export number is essential. Don’t forget GST/HST (and Quebec’s QST) registration, along with payroll deductions setup and CNESST registration as part of ongoing compliance.
Encouragement: Start by mapping out which items apply to your situation and tackle them in order—safety obligations first, then licenses and numbers, then tax registrations. Reach out to local resources like Revenu Québec and Registraire des entreprises for guidance, and consider a quick consult with a business advisor
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other miscellaneous durable goods 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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