Launch Your Computer and Software Wholesale Business in Burnaby
This page guides you through starting a computer and software wholesale business in Burnaby, BC (NAICS 423430). You’ll find a practical, seven-step requirements overview, plus exactly which licenses, registrations, and permits you’ll need to operate legally. We outline setup costs, the expected timeline, and simple actions you can take today to move from idea to first shipment.
What you’ll learn includes the seven requirements in plain terms: how to register your business in Burnaby, apply for a municipal business license, obtain a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number, register for GST/HST if needed, set up a compliant accounting system, secure reliable suppliers and warehousing, and protect your operation with basic insurance. This page also explains permits and registrations you may need, plus the costs you should budget for upfront and the typical timeline to get up and running.
Burnaby’s tech ecosystem and close ties to Vancouver’s suppliers and logistics networks make Burnaby a natural home for a thriving computer and software wholesale operation, with strong demand from local retailers and service providers. This page also highlights why the city’s business climate is a great fit for NAICS 423430 ventures and what to expect on the path to first shipments.
Requirements Overview
Product safety and recall obligations are the most critical requirement for operating a computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesale business in Burnaby. This is a legal obligation: you must meet safety standards for the products you sell and have a plan to handle recalls if a safety issue arises. This requirement is non-negotiable—you cannot legally operate without it, and non-compliance can lead to penalties, product seizures, or serious damage to your reputation.
Operational health and safety and permits are the next essential group. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage for your workers and maintain proper safety practices, training, and incident reporting at your facility. Having these controls protects staff, reduces risk, and keeps you aligned with BC rules that govern workplaces and product handling.
Business registration and tax numbers provide the legal backbone. You’ll need a Business Number (BN) and, if you run as a sole proprietor or partnership in BC, BC Business Name Registration. If you import or export, apply for an Import/Export Business Number. For taxes, register for GST/HST and set up Payroll Deductions Registration for your employees. These IDs are required to bill customers, remit taxes, and stay compliant with federal and provincial authorities.
Next steps: map out your business structure, register the BN and BC name, and complete any import/export and tax registrations. Set up WorkSafeBC coverage and payroll processes, then start onboarding suppliers and customers with confidence in a compliant Burnaby operation. If you’d like, I can outline a simple checklist tailored to your exact business plan and help you book the right registrations.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a computer and computer peripheral equipment and software 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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