Launch Your Apparel Knitting Mills in Victoria Today
This page walk you through how to start an apparel knitting mill (NAICS 315120) in Victoria. It offers a practical overview of the nine requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from concept to first production run. Use these foundations to map your milestones and budget with confidence.
You’ll learn a step-by-step path: how to register your business, obtain GST/HST and provincial numbers, and meet zoning, building and fire code rules. We cover workers’ compensation, insurance, labeling, and environmental considerations, plus the permits, inspections, and timing involved. Expect practical cost ranges, permit fees, and a realistic schedule that aligns with leasing, equipment installation, and staff training.
Victoria’s vibrant design scene, skilled labor pool, and proximity to textile suppliers make it a smart home for knitwear production. The city’s business support and access to Pacific Northwest markets help you scale thoughtfully while keeping sustainability and quality front and center.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a apparel knitting mill in Victoria is BC Employment Standards Act Compliance. This is a legal must-do before you hire anyone or run your shop, and it’s non-negotiable: you must follow provincial rules on wages, hours, overtime, vacation pay, and posted notices, and implement compliant payroll and hiring practices from day one.
Next come the mandatory operational requirements that keep people safe and your business legit. You’ll need to obtain a local Business Licence to operate in Victoria and ensure WorkSafeBC coverage and registration so your workplace meets safety standards. In addition, you must align with Apparel Product Safety Standards and Apparel Labeling Requirements so your garments are safe for customers and properly labeled before sale.
On the business and tax side, you’ll handle registration and numbers that the government uses to administer taxes and payroll. This includes a Business Number (BN) Registration, and, if you’re operating under a name other than your own, BC Business Name Registration (for Sole Proprietorship or Partnership). You’ll also manage GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration as you hire staff and handle tax withholdings. These registrations are essential for invoicing, payroll, and remitting taxes properly.
Next steps: map out a practical compliance plan and tackle these in stages. Start with confirming employment standards compliance, then secure licences and workplace safety coverage, followed by the necessary business registrations and tax numbers. If you’re unsure, consider a quick consult with a local advisor or the BC government resources to keep you on track and confident as you launch. You’ve got this—steady progress will get you to a compliant, thriving operation.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a apparel knitting mills 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 knitting mills:
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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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