Launch Your Victoria Apparel Accessories Manufacturing Business Today
This page helps you start a Victoria-based apparel accessories and other apparel manufacturing business. It offers a practical, step-by-step guide with a 9-item requirements checklist, the licenses and permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to take your idea from planning to production.
What you’ll learn: how the 9 essential requirements come together for NAICS 315990. We’ll walk you through municipal business licensing and zoning, provincial registrations, GST/HST registration, WorkSafeBC coverage, and the permits for building, fire safety, labeling and product-safety rules, and environmental considerations. You’ll also get practical cost ranges and a timeline to reach first production, plus tips to avoid common delays.
Victoria is a smart place to launch this kind of business—the city’s friendly small-business climate, access to fabric suppliers and design talent, and a growing maker community make it easier to collaborate and grow. With this city-and-industry pairing, you’ll have a clearer path from permit to production.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating an apparel manufacturing business in Victoria, BC is BC Employment Standards Act Compliance. This is a legal mandate that governs how you hire, pay, and treat your employees, including minimum wage, overtime, vacation, and record-keeping. You cannot legally operate without meeting these standards, and non-compliance can lead to penalties, audits, or other enforcement actions. This requirement is non-negotiable and forms the foundation for everything you do as an employer.
Beyond employment rules, you must cover health and safety and product compliance. Secure WorkSafeBC coverage for your workers to manage workplace safety and insurance. Ensure your apparel meets product safety standards and labeling requirements so items are safe and properly described before they reach customers. You’ll also need the necessary permits and licenses to operate: a municipal business licence, and BC Business Name Registration if your structure requires it. Grouping these together helps you see the safety, quality, and permitting pieces you must handle before production starts.
Business Registration & Tax: To run your company smoothly, get a BC Business Number (BN) to interact with government programs, register for GST/HST on sales, and set up payroll deductions registrations for employee withholdings. If you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, register your business name with BC. A city business licence is typically required from the City of Victoria to legally operate. These registrations and numbers are essential for accounting, taxes, and staying compliant as you grow.
Next steps: start with the non-negotiable BC Employment Standards Act compliance, then tackle health, safety, and product compliance. Create a simple compliance calendar and checklist, and begin applying for the BN, GST/HST, payroll, and name registration. Reach out to local business resources or a regulatory consultant if you’d like a guided plan—you’ve
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a apparel accessories and other apparel manufacturing in Victoria:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Victoria. Apply to City of Victoria 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 Victoria Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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