Launch Your Plastics Materials and Basic Forms Merchant Wholesaler in Saint John
This page is your practical, action-ready guide to launching a Plastics Materials and Basic Forms and Shapes Merchant Wholesaler in Saint John. It breaks down the 10 requirements you’ll need to meet under NAICS 424610, with clear steps, timelines, and essential actions—from registrations to insurance—to help you start selling quickly and stay compliant.
Here you'll get the requirements overview, plus details on permits and licenses, startup costs, and the typical timeline from idea to first order. You'll also find practical tips on choosing suppliers, setting margins, handling inventory, and budgeting for warehousing, taxes, and insurance. We cover provincial and municipal permits, health and safety training, environmental compliance, insurance needs, and how to track milestones.
Saint John’s port access, manufacturing ecosystem, and growing industrial base create a solid environment for a plastics wholesaler. With a supportive local network and affordable living costs, you can build a scalable, regionally connected business. Plus, Saint John’s connected business support network can speed up licensing and financing.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a plastics materials and basic forms and shapes merchant wholesalers in Saint John is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal must-have and you cannot operate without meeting these obligations. You’ll need to know the applicable product safety standards for the materials you sell, ensure proper labeling and documentation, keep traceability where required, and have a clear plan for recalls if a safety issue ever arises. This is non-negotiable and failure to comply can lead to penalties or being shut down.
On the operational side, you’ll focus on health, safety, and required permits. Protecting workers is essential, so you’ll need employer coverage with New Brunswick’s WorkSafeNB, plus practical safety programs, training, and ongoing hazard assessments. Ensure safe handling and storage of plastics materials, proper use of equipment, and clear procedures for reporting incidents. Depending on your activities, you may also need inspections or permits related to storage, handling, or transport of materials, so build compliance into daily operations.
For business registrations and taxes, you’ll set up the essential numbers and registrations before you start trading. This includes obtaining a Saint John business licence, a Business Number (BN) registration, and New Brunswick Business Name (SNB) registration. Depending on your situation, you may also need Partnership Registration, an Import/Export Business Number, NB Corporation Registration, GST/HST Registration, and Payroll Deductions Registration. These registrations ensure you can legally bill customers, collect taxes where required, hire staff, and file the right reports.
If you’re ready, take the next steps by listing the registrations you need, gathering the required documents, and contacting the right offices (Service NB for the licence, CRA for BN, provincial registry for SNB, and the Canada GST/HST and payroll systems). You’ve got this—with clear priorit
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a plastics materials and basic forms and shapes merchant wholesalers 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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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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