Start a Coal and Other Mineral Ore Merchant Wholesale in Richmond
This page gives a practical, step-by-step roadmap for launching a Coal and Other Mineral Ore Merchant Wholesale business in Richmond under NAICS 423520. You’ll find an eight-step requirements overview, plus the permits, licenses, and upfront costs you should expect. Whether you’re moving from side project to full-time operation or expanding an existing wholesale line, this guide helps you move from idea to inventory with confidence.
Eight essential requirements you’ll work through include: 1) choosing a BC business structure and registering it, 2) securing the City of Richmond license and confirming wholesale zoning, 3) registering for GST/HST (with PST rules in mind), 4) setting up WorkSafeBC coverage and WHMIS, 5) obtaining insurance (GL, property, cargo), 6) opening a business bank account and implementing basic accounting, 7) lining up inventory, storage, and logistics, 8) reviewing any import/export permits or environmental/fire compliance if needed. Expect a practical timeline from setup to first shipment.
Why Richmond works: its strategic location near Vancouver’s ports, strong industrial base, and supportive local services make it easy to source coal and minerals, store them safely, and ship to Western Canada with reliable, cost-effective distribution.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a coal and other mineral and ore merchant wholesalers in Richmond is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal duty you cannot bypass, and you cannot legally sell products without meeting it. It covers things like proper labeling, any required testing, reporting safety issues to the authorities, and executing recalls of unsafe products—these obligations are non-negotiable and foundational to doing business here.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to safety, you need the essential health, safety, and permit steps. A current City of Richmond business licence is required to operate locally. Workers must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration, with safety policies and procedures in place. If you’re a sole proprietor or partnership, you should also have BC Business Name Registration so your business name is officially registered with the province.
Business Registration & Tax: Plan ahead for your registration numbers and taxes. You’ll need a Business Number (BN) registration with the Canada Revenue Agency. Depending on your structure, you may also require BC Business Name Registration for a sole proprietorship or partnership. Other registrations to consider include Import/Export Business Number, GST/HST Registration, and Payroll Deductions Registration to handle taxes and withholdings properly.
Encouragement: Start with the critical product safety obligations, then line up licences and registrations in parallel. Gather the needed documents, set up safety and compliance processes, and reach out to a local business advisor or regulators for step-by-step guidance. With a clear, organized plan, you can confidently move forward and stay compliant as you grow.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a coal and other mineral and ore merchant wholesalers in Richmond:
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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 Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Richmond. Apply to City of Richmond 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 Richmond Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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