Start Your Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesalers in Saint John
This page provides a practical, step-by-step roadmap to launching a Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 424720) in Saint John. You’ll get a clear overview of the 11 requirements you must meet, plus guidance on permits, licenses, registrations, and the typical startup costs and timeline. It’s built to help you move from idea to compliant operations quickly and confidently.
What you’ll learn: a straightforward requirements overview; the permits and approvals required at federal, provincial, and municipal levels; expected costs (license fees, insurance, facility setup, storage compliance); and a realistic timeline from registration to first shipment. We’ll outline practical steps—business registration, tax numbers, safety plans, environmental compliance, and how to gather the right documents before you apply.
Why Saint John is a strong fit: as Atlantic Canada's deep-water port city, Saint John offers excellent logistics access, a growing energy distribution network, and a supportive business climate. The combination of port capacity, road and rail links, and local expertise helps you reach regional customers and grow efficiently.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a petroleum and petroleum products merchant wholesaler in Saint John is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you cannot operate without, and it is non-negotiable. It means you must have clear, reliable processes for safely handling, storing, and selling petroleum products and a plan to issue recalls or safety notices if a product issue arises. If you skip this, you could face penalties or a shutdown, so treat it as non-negotiable right from the start.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to safety obligations, you’ll need to address health and safety and the permits that keep you compliant. This includes securing a Saint John business licence, meeting Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) compliance for shipping and handling flammable liquids, and ensuring New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage so your staff are protected at work. These items group together as the core health, safety, and regulatory permits you must maintain to operate.
Business Registration & Tax: Plan your business structure and core registrations. You’ll typically need a Business Number (BN) from Canada Revenue Agency for taxes and payroll accounts, plus New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) if you’re registering a name. If you form a corporation, pursue NB Corporation Registration; if you operate as a partnership, Partnership Registration applies. If you plan to import or export petroleum products, you’ll need an Import/Export Business Number. You’ll also likely handle GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration as part of your ongoing tax compliance.
Encouragement: Ready to get started? Use this as a practical roadmap: lock in Product Safety and Recall obligations first, then obtain the necessary licences and TDG/WorkSafeNB coverage, decide on your business structure, and secure BN, SNB, and any applicable import/export numbers along with GST/HST and payroll accounts. If you’d lik
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a petroleum and petroleum products merchant wholesalers (except bulk stations and terminals) 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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Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Compliance ConditionalRequired for dangerous goods transport. Wholesalers handling or shipping dangerous goods must comply with TDG regulations, including proper classification, packaging, labeling, documentation, and emergency response information. Training required before handling dangerous goods - no federal license. Employer must provide/approve training. Certificate valid 3 years. Two components: general education + site-specific training. Employer issues formal TDG Certificate of Training after both components. Online courses available ($50-$150). Contact Transport Canada: 1-855-824-2020.
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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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