Start Your Brick, Stone, and Related Materials Wholesale in Surrey
This page maps eight essential requirements to launching a Brick, Stone, and Related Construction Material Merchant Wholesaler (NAICS 423320) in Surrey. You'll get a practical, step-by-step view from idea to opening day, with a clear overview of permits, licenses, and the major startup costs, plus a realistic timeline to plan around as you build inventory and establish supplier relationships.
What you’ll learn: the exact permits and registrations you’ll need (business number with the Canada Revenue Agency, GST/HST, and any provincial licensing), plus how to budget for startup costs like insurance, warehousing, trucking, and initial inventory. We’ll outline a practical 4–8 week timeline and share tips to streamline approvals and avoid common delays before you ship your first orders.
Why Surrey? It’s part of Metro Vancouver’s fast-growing corridor with strong demand from builders, easy access to suppliers and customers, and robust logistics that fit a wholesale model, plus supportive local business networks.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Surrey is Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency, and you cannot legally start or run your business without it. It acts as the umbrella ID for taxes, payroll, and other registrations, and you’ll need it to open GST/HST accounts, hire staff, and file returns. Without a BN, you cannot operate legally.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, and permits are essential. Product Safety and Recall Obligations mean you must ensure products comply with safety rules and have a plan for recalls if needed. If you have employees, WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration is required to protect workers and cover injuries. In Surrey, you’ll also need a valid city business licence to operate.
Business Registration & Tax: In addition to your BN, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, so your business name is legally recognized. If you import or export goods, obtain an Import/Export Business Number. Plan for GST/HST Registration if your revenue crosses the threshold. If you have employees, you’ll also need Payroll Deductions Registration to handle deductions and remittances.
Encouragement: Getting this right is a practical, step-by-step process. Start by choosing your business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation) and secure the BN. Then obtain the Surrey business licence and register your business name, set up tax accounts, and arrange safety registrations. If you’d like, I can provide a simple, customized checklist to guide your first 90 days and keep you on track.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a brick, stone, and related construction material merchant wholesalers in Surrey:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey 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 Surrey 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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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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