Launch Your Clothing and Clothing Accessories Merchant Wholesalers in Burnaby
This page is a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a Clothing and Clothing Accessories Merchant Wholesalers business (NAICS 424350) in Burnaby. You’ll find a clear overview of what it takes to start, from the seven essential requirements to secure a Burnaby business license, register for a CRA Business Number (GST/HST as needed), and set up wholesale operations. We break down permits, initial costs, and a realistic timeline so you can plan confidently and stay on track from day one.
In this guide you’ll learn exactly what the seven requirements are, plus the permits and registrations most Burnaby wholesalers need. You’ll get practical cost ranges, a simple timeline, and tips to prepare documents, open wholesale accounts with suppliers, and set up billing and tax compliance. We’ll also touch on where to find local support, how to protect margins, and best practices for shipping and inventory management in a wholesale clothing business.
Burnaby’s close ties to Vancouver’s manufacturing and distribution network, plus strong transportation links, make it a smart spot to start a wholesale clothing business. Access to suppliers and retailers can shorten lead times and support steady growth.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a clothing and clothing accessories merchant wholesaler in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you cannot bypass to operate; non-negotiable. You must have solid safety processes, supplier compliance checks, and a clear recall plan so you can act quickly if a safety issue arises.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: For health and safety, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration if you have employees, and maintain safe work practices. You should also be aware of any required permits or registrations that apply to your clothing business, such as labeling rules and general compliance measures for handling and selling apparel—especially if your line crosses borders or involves specific materials.
Business Registration & Tax: You will need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, and BC Business Name Registration if you operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership. If you import or export goods, you may need an Import/Export Business Number. For ongoing taxes, plan for GST/HST registration, and if you hire staff, Payroll Deductions Registration to handle withholdings and remittances.
Encouragement: Start with the basics of safety and recalls to protect customers and your business, then tackle registration in practical steps—BN first, then BC name registration, GST/HST, and payroll considerations as you grow. If you’re unsure, seek a quick chat with a small-business advisor or accountant, and use local resources in Burnaby or BC to map out a simple, compliant path. You’ve got this—taking it one step at a time will set you up for solid growth.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a clothing and clothing accessories 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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