Launch Your Apparel Knitting Mill in Burnaby Today
This page provides a practical roadmap to start an apparel knitting mill in Burnaby under NAICS 315120. You’ll find the eight essential requirements spelled out, plus a straightforward permits and licensing checklist, a realistic cost range, and a solid timeline to move from idea to operation. We translate legalese into practical steps, with timelines, costs, and success tips from industry peers.
What you’ll learn includes a clear overview of the eight requirements, the permits you’ll need (Burnaby municipal business license, zoning approval, building and fire safety checks, and WorkSafeBC registration), typical startup costs (equipment like knitting machines, facility upgrades, utilities, insurance, and licensing), and a practical timeline to guide your milestones. You'll also see common pitfalls and practical checklists to keep you on track.
Burnaby is a strong fit for an apparel knitting mill thanks to its robust industrial base, easy access to suppliers and transportation networks, and growing manufacturing ecosystem. By outlining the eight requirements up front, you’ll move confidently toward your first production run in Burnaby.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a apparel knitting mill in Burnaby is BC Employment Standards Act Compliance. This means you must follow rules about minimum wages, hours of work, overtime, leaves, and proper record-keeping. It is a legal obligation for any employer in BC, so you cannot hire staff or run your operation without meeting these standards. This requirement is non-negotiable and forms the foundation of lawful and fair employment in your business.
On the operational side, you must keep workers safe and products conforming to applicable rules. Secure WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect your team, and follow health and safety practices in your knitting shop. For products, comply with apparel product safety standards and labeling requirements so customers have clear, accurate information and your goods meet safety and regulatory expectations. Meeting these requirements helps prevent penalties and protects your brand in the market.
From a registration and tax perspective, set up a Business Number (BN) for your business activities, and register your business name with BC if you are operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership. You’ll also need GST/HST registration for tax reporting and payroll deductions registration so you can withhold and remit employee taxes and contributions. Getting these in place early keeps you compliant with federal and provincial authorities and smooths your financial operations.
Next steps: use a simple compliance checklist, set a realistic timeline, and reach out to provincial and federal resources or a local advisor to confirm exact requirements for Burnaby. With a clear plan and steady progress, you’ll build a compliant, scalable apparel knitting mill. You’ve got this—take the first small steps and keep momentum going.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a apparel knitting mills in Burnaby:
-
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.
-
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).
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 knitting mills:
-
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 …
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Starting a business can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our AI-powered business matcher can help you understand exactly what you need for your specific situation.
Try Our AI Business Matcher Get Expert Help
No credit card required • Takes 2 minutes
Browse Other Business Sectors
Explore business requirements in other industries: