Launch Your Coal and Other Mineral and Ore Merchant Wholesalers in Burnaby
This page gives you a practical, friendly guide to starting a Coal and Other Mineral and Ore Merchant Wholesalers business in Burnaby. You’ll find a straightforward view of what it takes to launch, from choosing a legal structure and registering your company to securing reliable suppliers and managing local licensing. We break down the seven requirements, estimate startup costs, and map a realistic timeline so you can plan confidently—without guesswork.
In this guide you’ll learn the exact steps to meet those seven requirements for a NAICS 423520 Coal and Other Mineral and Ore Merchant Wholesalers operation. You’ll find details on permits and Burnaby licensing, essential provincial registrations, and GST/HST taxes. We also cover insurance, workers’ compensation, basic safety and storage rules, and key supplier-contract essentials, plus typical startup costs and a practical 1- to 4-month timeline for approvals.
Burnaby’s central location near the Vancouver port and industrial corridors makes it a smart base for a coal and ore wholesaler, with strong logistics and supplier networks right at your doorstep.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a coal and other mineral and ore merchant wholesaler in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you cannot operate without, and it is non-negotiable. It means every product you handle or sell must meet safety standards and you must have a clear plan in place to manage recalls if a safety issue is found.
Beyond safety, health and safety in the workplace are essential. You must have WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration and you should follow the relevant safety rules for handling and storing minerals. Grouping safety with permits and practical workplace practices helps keep employees protected and your operation compliant. If your activities require any specific provincial permits or licenses, make sure you obtain them and keep records up to date.
On the registration and tax side, you’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the federal government and, if you operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership in BC, a BC Business Name Registration. If you import or export, you’ll also need an Import/Export Business Number; and for ongoing taxes, GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration. These numbers and registrations are what keep your business compliant, allow you to issue invoices, and manage tax obligations smoothly.
Ready for next steps? Start by clarifying your business structure and name, then apply for the BN and BC Business Name Registration. If you plan to import/export, set up the Import/Export BN, and arrange GST/HST and payroll registrations. Consider a quick chat with a local business advisor or accountant to map out the exact steps and timelines for Burnaby so you can launch confidently and grow responsibly.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a coal and other mineral and ore 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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