Launch Your All Other Specialty Food Retailers in Burnaby
This page is your practical starter guide to launching an All Other Specialty Food Retailers business in Burnaby (NAICS 445298). You’ll discover the six essential requirements you must meet before opening, the permits you’ll need from municipal and health authorities, and a clear view of setup costs and timing. It’s designed to help you plan step by step, without the overwhelm, so you can move confidently from idea to launch.
This guide outlines the six requirements you’ll tackle: business registration; a Burnaby municipal business license; GST/HST registration with the CRA; health/food safety permits; zoning and occupancy approvals; and signage and insurance basics. You’ll also get a practical look at permits, typical costs, and a realistic timeline—from planning through to opening. Expect a multi-week to a few-month process, depending on permit approvals and store scope.
Burnaby’s diverse communities, steady shopper traffic, and easy access to suppliers make it a smart launch pad for a specialty foods retailer. With this six-step path, you know exactly what to prepare, who to contact, and when to expect approvals, so you can focus on building great products and a welcoming store experience.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is Product Safety Compliance (Retail). This is a legally required standard you cannot operate without, and it is NON-NEGOTIABLE. It ensures that the foods you sell are handled, labeled, stored, and displayed in ways that keep customers safe.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to product safety, you’ll need to meet health and safety duties for staff and customers. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration and maintain safe workplace practices in line with BC rules. You may also need local permits or licenses from Burnaby as part of opening a food retail store; check with the city to confirm what applies to your location and operations.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the federal government to handle taxes and payroll. If you operate as a sole proprietor or partnership in BC, register your BC Business Name. You’ll also consider GST/HST Registration for sales tax purposes, and if you hire employees, you’ll need Payroll Deductions Registration.
Encouragement: You’re off to a strong start by identifying these requirements. Take it step by step: secure product safety compliance first, then sort out registration and tax steps. Use Burnaby and provincial/federal government resources to guide you, and don’t hesitate to reach out to local business support networks for practical help and next steps. You’ll be well on your way to launching a compliant, successful specialty food retail in Burnaby.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other specialty food retailers in Burnaby:
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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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Product Safety Compliance (Retail) RequiredRetailers must ensure products meet Canadian safety standards, properly label products, report safety incidents, and participate in product recalls when required. Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) applies federally. Health Canada enforces. Mandatory incident reporting for serious harm. 6-year record keeping. Recall responsibilities. No provincial retail license for general products. Children's product safety requirements stricter. Cosmetics: labeling and notification. Check recall database. Contact Health Canada: 1-866-662-0666.
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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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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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
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