Launch a Victoria Brick, Stone & Related Construction Materials Merchant Wholesaler
This page maps a practical roadmap for starting a Victoria-based Brick, Stone & Related Construction Materials Merchant Wholesalers business (NAICS 423320). You’ll find an eight-point requirements guide, plus the permits, registrations, and upfront costs you’ll need to move from idea to operation. Use this as your starter kit to build a compliant, ready-to-work wholesale operation.
What you’ll learn: a clear overview of the eight requirements, from registering your business name to obtaining a municipal business license and a CRA Business Number. We cover permits for warehousing and signage, expected costs, insurance, and a realistic timeline from planning to opening. You’ll also get tips on securing supplier accounts and lining up inventory to hit the ground running.
Victoria’s growing construction scene and access to skilled trades create a strong launchpad for a brick, stone and related materials wholesaler. The city’s logistics, suppliers, and contractor network support steady demand and efficient distribution, helping you build a reliable, long‑term wholesale business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Victoria, BC is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal necessity you cannot operate without. It means ensuring every product you sell meets safety standards, has clear labeling, and that you have a plan to identify and recall any defective items. You’ll need to keep records, verify supplier compliance, and report safety issues to the appropriate regulators when needed. Non-compliance can bring fines, product bans, or even a shutdown, so treat this as non-negotiable.
Beyond product safety, there are mandatory operational requirements to protect people and keep your business compliant. This includes solid health and safety practices, staff training, and safe handling procedures. You must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration and maintain a safe workplace. You’ll also need the necessary local permits and licenses to operate in Victoria, such as a valid Business Licence. Grouping these obligations under daily operations helps ensure you’re meeting both safety and regulatory expectations consistently.
For Business Registration & Tax, set up the essential identifiers and tax accounts. This includes a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) registration, and BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership. If you plan to import or export goods, you’ll need an Import/Export Business Number. For sales, register for GST/HST, and if you have employees, set up Payroll Deductions Registration. These registrations keep your finances legal and allow you to collect and remit the correct taxes.
Ready to move forward? Start with a quick gap check against these items, then tackle each step in order. If you’d like, I can tailor a simple, one-page action plan specific to your product mix and how you’ll sell it. You’ve got this—taking these steps now puts you on solid footing.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a brick, stone, and related construction material merchant wholesalers in Victoria:
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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 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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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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