Launch an Apparel Accessories Manufacturing Business in Richmond
This page provides a practical roadmap to starting an apparel accessories and other apparel manufacturing business (NAICS 315990) in Richmond. It breaks down 9 essential requirements and outlines the permits, costs, and realistic timeline you’ll need to plan around before you launch. Expect a clear, step-by-step view designed to help you move confidently from idea to production.
You’ll learn exactly what to file and when—registering your business, obtaining a City of Richmond business license, and completing zoning and space permits. We cover safety and staffing registrations, GST/HST registration, and any equipment or signage permits that apply to NAICS 315990. The guide also outlines rough startup costs (equipment, facility, tooling) and a practical timeline from setup to first production.
Richmond’s mix of industrial space, proximity to fabric and component suppliers, skilled contract manufacturers, and a supportive small-business climate makes it a practical base for NAICS 315990. Local services—from utilities to permitting support—learn to navigate smoothly, helping you control costs while getting products to market faster.
Requirements Overview
BC Employment Standards Act Compliance is the foundation requirement for operating a apparel manufacturing business in Richmond. This governs how you hire, pay, and treat employees—covering hours, wages, overtime, rest breaks, and proper record-keeping. It is a legal obligation you cannot bypass, so make sure your hiring practices, payroll, and workplace policies align with the Act before you bring on staff.
For health, safety, and permits, focus on practical compliance steps. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration so workers are protected and your shop meets safety obligations. You’ll also want to follow Apparel Product Safety Standards and Apparel Labeling Requirements to keep your products safe and accurately labeled. Don’t forget Payroll Deductions Registration to handle payroll taxes properly and maintain clear records.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll need a Business Licence and a Business Number (BN) Registration. If you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, you’ll also complete BC Business Name Registration. Depending on your revenue and activities, you may need GST/HST Registration as part of your tax setup. Getting these registrations in place early will help you bill customers correctly and stay compliant.
Starting an apparel accessories and manufacturing business in Richmond is entirely doable with a clear plan. Next steps: map out a simple compliance calendar, tackle registrations one by one, and consider consulting a local accountant or business advisor to tailor the requirements to your exact situation. With these fundamentals in place, you’ll be well positioned to launch confidently and grow smoothly.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a apparel accessories and other apparel manufacturing in Richmond:
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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 Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Richmond. Apply to City of Richmond 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 Richmond 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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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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