Launch Your Apparel Accessories Manufacturing in Burnaby Today
This page is your practical roadmap to launching an apparel accessories and other apparel manufacturing business in Burnaby under NAICS 315990. You’ll get a clear overview of the eight startup requirements, the permits and registrations you’ll likely need, realistic startup costs, and a practical timeline to get from idea to production. Whether you're starting with a small studio line or a full-scale production, this guide keeps things practical and doable.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do: secure licenses and registrations, set up your tax accounts, and choose a compliant production space. We’ll break down the eight requirements, estimate typical costs (equipment, lease, insurance, and permits), and map a realistic timeline from planning to first shipment.
Burnaby’s mix of industrial spaces, strong logistics, and proximity to Vancouver’s supplier network makes it a smart fit for growing apparel manufacturing. With clear local permits and supportive business resources, you can start lean, stay compliant, and scale as you build your brand.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration. This is the mandatory workplace insurance system in British Columbia that protects employees from injuries and ensures proper claims handling. You cannot legally hire staff or run a manufacturing operation in BC without active WorkSafeBC coverage and ongoing compliance. This requirement is non-negotiable and forms the foundation of your operations.
Beyond insurance, there are mandatory operational requirements to keep your shop compliant and safe. BC Employment Standards Act Compliance matters for how you pay and treat employees—wages, hours, breaks, and vacation. Apparel Product Safety Standards set the safety criteria for the garments and accessories you manufacture, while Apparel Labeling Requirements specify what information must appear on your product labels. Depending on your setup, you may also need appropriate permits and to maintain safe working practices in your facility.
Business Registration & Tax: To run legally and smoothly, you’ll want to secure a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency and register your BC Business Name if you’re operating as a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership. If your sales cross the threshold, register for GST/HST, and if you have employees, set up Payroll Deductions Registration. Keeping these registrations current helps you stay compliant with tax and payroll obligations.
You’re off to a strong start by identifying these essentials. Next steps: map out the registrations you need, set a realistic timeline, gather the necessary documents, and begin with the most urgent items (like WorkSafeBC and BN). If you’d like, I can tailor a simple, step-by-step plan for your Burnaby apparel business to keep you moving confidently and legally.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a apparel accessories and other apparel manufacturing in Burnaby:
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BC Employment Standards Act Compliance RequiredEmployer compliance with BC Employment Standards Act requirements for wages, hours, and working conditions BC Employment Standards Act sets minimum requirements for all employers. Minimum wage: $17.85/hour (effective June 1, 2025). Standard hours: 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week. Overtime: time-and-a-half after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. 5 paid sick days required. Vacation: 2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years. Contact Employment Standards Branch: 1-833-236-3700.
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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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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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Apparel Product Safety Standards ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Apparel products must meet safety standards for flammability, drawstrings, small parts (children), and chemical content restrictions. Canada Consumer Product Safety Act compliance. Flammability requirements for children's sleepwear. No prohibited substances (lead, phthalates). Product testing. Recall procedures. Incident reporting. Contact Health Canada: 1-866-662-0666.
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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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Apparel Labeling Requirements ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Apparel manufacturers must comply with textile labeling (fiber content, care), country of origin, and dealer identification requirements. Textile Labelling Act compliance. CA identification number from Competition Bureau. Bilingual labels (English/French). Fibre content percentages. Dealer identity. Country of origin. Contact Competition Bureau: 1-800-348-5358.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your apparel accessories and other apparel manufacturing:
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A non-refundable 10% corporate income tax credit on eligible capital investments made by PEI corporations involved in manufacturing and processing. Claimed via T2 Schedule 321 filed with the corporation's T2 return. An additional Enriched Investment Tax Credit (up to 25%) is available through Innovation PEI for strategic-sector manufacturers requiring pre-approval …
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