Start Your Laval Packing and Crating Business Today
This page gives you a practical, 9-step plan to launch a packing and crating business in Laval (NAICS 488991). It breaks down what you need to start—from choosing a business structure and naming your venture to securing the required permits and licenses—so you can begin serving customers with confidence.
What you’ll learn: how to register your Laval business, get GST and QST IDs, and secure CNESST coverage for your crew. We’ll map out a practical cost plan—startup costs, equipment and vehicle needs, insurance, and license fees—and give you a realistic timeline from signing on to your first client packing or crating project.
Why Laval? The city’s strategic access to Montreal’s markets, strong logistics network, and growing demand for secure packing, crating, and storage services make this a smart place to launch. With 9 clear steps, quick permits, and transparent costs, you can start efficiently, win clients, and grow your Laval-based operation.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a packing and crating business in Laval is the Business Licence. This licence is issued by the city and you need it to legally run your operation. Without a valid licence, you cannot operate, so this step is non-negotiable.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health and safety matters come next. If you have employees, you must cover workers’ protections by registering with the Quebec CNESST (for workers’ compensation and safety). You’ll also need Payroll Deductions Registration to properly withhold and remit taxes for your staff. These registrations help keep your workplace safe and compliant and prevent penalties down the line.
Business Registration & Tax: To get your business officially recognized, you’ll need several numbers. Obtain a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) and register with Quebec for a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) and the Quebec Business Registration (REQ) with Registraire des entreprises. Depending on your sales, you’ll also handle GST/HST registration. If you hire staff, plan for Payroll Deductions Registration as part of ongoing payroll compliance.
Encouragement: You’re already on the right track by listing these steps. Next, gather the necessary documents, decide your business structure (partnership or Quebec corporation), and start applying with the appropriate agencies (City of Laval for the licence, Registraire des entreprises for NEQ/REQ, CRA for the BN, and Revenu Québec for payroll considerations). Taking these actions now will set you up for a smooth, compliant start and gradual growth. If you’d like, I can map out a simple checklist with exactly what to submit to each agency.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a packing and crating in Laval:
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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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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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