Start Your Fredericton: Other Professional Equipment & Supplies Merchant Wholesalers
This page guides you through starting an Other Professional Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers business in Fredericton. It lays out the 10 essential requirements, including registrations and permits, with practical cost estimates and a realistic timeline. If you're new to wholesale or expanding, you'll get a clear, actionable plan to launch a compliant, ready-to-sell operation.
What you'll learn: the exact registrations and permits you'll need—business name or corporate registration, a CRA Business Number, GST/HST registration if required, and local licenses. We'll cover municipal zoning for warehousing, and any industry-specific permits. We'll also break down upfront costs, from registration fees to insurance and initial inventory, and map out a typical timeline from kickoff to opening.
Why Fredericton: a growing market with supportive small-business resources, affordable space for warehousing, and strong supplier networks across Atlantic Canada. NAICS 423490 aligns with local wholesalers, helping you connect with buyers and logistics partners while staying aligned with Canadian rules.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Fredericton, New Brunswick is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is legally required and you cannot legally sell or distribute professional equipment without meeting safety standards, having proper recall procedures in place, and keeping the necessary documentation. Treat this as non-negotiable from day one to protect customers and your business.
For everyday operations, focus on health, safety, and permits, then group related items. You’ll need NB WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to follow workplace safety rules and provide coverage for your staff. You’ll also want the appropriate permitting: a Business Licence to legally operate, and the New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) if you’re running under a registered name. Depending on your business structure, you may also need Partnership Registration if you’re forming a partnership, or NB Corporation Registration if you plan to run as a corporation.
Next, get your business registered for tax and administration. A Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency ties together your GST/HST, payroll deductions, and other filings. GST/HST Registration is required if you meet the threshold or if you sell taxable goods/services. Payroll Deductions Registration is needed if you have employees. If you’ll import or export goods, an Import/Export Business Number may be required. If you establish a corporation, NB Corporation Registration will apply.
Ready to move forward? Start by choosing your business structure (sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation), then tackle registrations in this order: SNB name registration, BN with the CRA, business licence, and NB WorkSafeNB coverage. Check with Service New Brunswick and your local Fredericton authorities for exact steps and timelines. If you’d like, I can map out a simple, step-by-step checklist tailored to your exact plans.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other professional equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers in Fredericton:
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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 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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Fredericton. Apply to City of Fredericton 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 Fredericton Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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