Launch Your Burnaby Beer and Ale Merchant Wholesaler Business
This page is your practical starting point for launching a Beer and Ale Merchant Wholesaler (NAICS 424810) in Burnaby. It lays out a seven-step requirements plan, a realistic cost range, and a timeline to move from idea to active distribution. You’ll find plain-language guidance and ready-to-use checklists designed to help you stay organized and move confidently into the market.
Seven essential requirements cover licenses, permits, and foundational setup: municipal Burnaby business license, BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch wholesale license, corporate registration, and tax registrations (GST/HST, PST where applicable). Also plan for insurance, workers’ compensation coverage, secure warehousing or distribution space, and startup costs. The guide also flags typical timelines for each step and offers practical tips to keep costs reasonable and approvals moving smoothly.
Burnaby’s strategic location near Vancouver, strong distribution networks, and vibrant craft beer scene make it a smart place to start. The city’s business resources and access to suppliers can help you grow faster as you establish your wholesale operation.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a beer and ale merchant wholesaler in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you cannot bypass, and you must have systems in place to ensure every product you handle is safe for customers and that you can quickly initiate a recall if a safety issue is found. Treat this as non-negotiable to protect customers, your reputation, and your business.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: On the health and safety side, you need WorkSafeBC coverage and registration and you must follow the applicable safety rules to keep your team protected. Relatedly, you should establish clear product safety and recall processes—recording batches or lot numbers, staying on top of supplier notices, and having a straightforward recall plan. Grouping these duties under a robust safety and compliance routine helps you run day-to-day operations with confidence and reduces risk.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need to handle key registration and tax steps. Specifically, register a Business Number (BN) and, if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, complete BC Business Name Registration. If you import or export beer and ale, you’ll require an Import/Export Business Number. In addition, GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration are common for smooth tax handling and payroll compliance. Keeping these registrations up to date will prevent gaps in your ability to legally bill customers and pay staff.
Encouragement: Start by outlining your planned structure and write down the registrations you’ll need, then tackle them in small steps—BN and BC Name first, then GST/HST and payroll, plus WorkSafeBC, and finally any import/export numbers if you’ll trade across borders. If you’d like, I can help map a practical 30-day action plan to get these in place and keep you on track.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a beer and ale merchant wholesalers in Burnaby:
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Product Safety and Recall Obligations RequiredWholesalers must ensure products meet Canadian safety standards and report serious incidents. Must participate in product recalls and maintain records for traceability. No registration - compliance law. Manufacturers/importers/sellers must ensure products are safe. MANDATORY REPORTING to Health Canada if: death/serious injury occurred or could occur, defects found, inadequate labeling, or recall in other jurisdiction. Keep records 6 years. Penalties: fines, seizure, criminal charges. Report incidents online or call 1-866-662-0666.
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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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Import/Export Business Number ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Wholesalers engaged in importing or exporting goods must register for an import/export account with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in addition to their CRA Business Number. As of Oct 21, 2024, register RM account through CBSA's CARM Client Portal (not CRA). Need BN9 first - get via CARM or CRA's BRO. FREE registration. Required for importing/exporting commercial goods. Ensure all business names match exactly to avoid border delays. CBSA manages RM accounts; CRA issues BN9. Contact CBSA Border Information Service: 1-800-461-9999.
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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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