How to Start a Plastics Materials Wholesale Business in Moncton
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a plastics materials and basic forms and shapes wholesale business in Moncton. You’ll find a clear path through essential setup tasks—from registering your business and obtaining a CRA Business Number to the licenses and permits needed to operate legally as a wholesale supplier in New Brunswick. It also highlights typical startup costs and a realistic timeline to help you plan.
You’ll learn the 10 requirements you’ll need to meet, including business registration, GST/HST registration, municipal licensing, and workers’ compensation coverage. The guide breaks down permits for storage and handling of plastics, along with OH&S compliance and environmental considerations. It also covers insurance needs, licensing costs, and a practical timeline so you can budget, secure approvals, and stay on track.
Moncton’s growing manufacturing sector and strategic Atlantic location make it an ideal base for a plastics wholesaler. With the right permits, a solid plan, and a clear timeline, you’ll be well-positioned to connect with local manufacturers and regional buyers while building a scalable, efficient operation.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a plastics materials and basic forms and shapes merchant wholesalers in Moncton is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legally required standard, and you cannot legally operate your business without meeting it. You’ll need to have clear safety practices for the products you sell, keep proper records, and have a plan in place for recalls if a safety issue is found.
Next come mandatory operational requirements that keep the business safe and properly licensed. Health and safety considerations include complying with product safety rules and having a recall plan, along with ensuring your workplace is covered by NB WorkSafeNB for employer safety. In addition, you’ll typically need a municipal business license to operate in Moncton, which confirms you’re allowed to run your business in the local area.
For business registration and tax basics, you’ll set up the proper identities and numbers to operate smoothly. This includes obtaining a Business Number (BN) from the federal government, registering your New Brunswick Business Name (SNB), and choosing your business structure (which may involve Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration if you form a partnership or a corporation). If you trade across borders, you’ll need an Import/Export Business Number. You’ll also register for GST/HST and Payroll Deductions to handle taxes and employee withholdings correctly.
If you’d like, I can outline concrete next steps and provide a simple checklist (who to contact and what documents to gather) so you can start with momentum. Reach out with your planned business structure (sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation) and I’ll map out the exact registrations and timelines tailored to Moncton. You’re taking a solid, practical path—great job getting the basics lined up.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a plastics materials and basic forms and shapes merchant wholesalers in Moncton:
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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 Moncton. Apply to City of Moncton 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 Moncton 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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