Launch Burnaby’s Construction and Mining Machinery and Equipment Wholesaler Business Today
This page offers a practical, eight-step startup guide for launching a Construction and Mining Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers business (NAICS 423810) in Burnaby. You’ll find a clear requirements overview, expected costs, and a sensible timeline to move from idea to opening day. It explains what you’ll need to register, obtain licenses, and set up a warehouse or showroom without getting overwhelmed.
What you’ll learn: the eight key requirements you'll tackle—from choosing your legal structure and registering the name, to GST/HST registration and securing a Burnaby business license. You’ll also plan for zoning and space needs, tax obligations (PST/GST), insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage, banking and financing, plus supplier and customer contracts. We outline rough costs and a realistic 1–3 month timeline so you can budget and track progress.
Why Burnaby? This central Metro Vancouver location offers access to industrial suppliers, a skilled workforce, and growing demand for construction and mining equipment—an ideal backdrop for a successful wholesale startup in BC.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a construction and mining machinery and equipment merchant wholesaler in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a hard, legal requirement—you cannot legally operate or sell equipment unless you meet product safety standards and are prepared to handle recalls if a defect is found. It is non-negotiable: you must have processes in place to comply with safety rules and any recall obligations before you start selling.
Second, focus on mandatory operational requirements that keep people safe and your business compliant. Health and safety basics matter: make sure your workforce complies with BC Employment Standards Act for wages, hours and leave, and secure WorkSafeBC coverage so your workers are protected and you meet provincial safety rules. Grouped together, these areas cover the everyday compliance that makes your shop a safe place to work and a trustworthy place to buy equipment.
Third, handle Business Registration and Tax so your business is properly set up with the authorities. You’ll need a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) to interact with the federal systems. In British Columbia, consider BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating a sole proprietorship or partnership under a name other than your own. If you plan to import or export machinery, you’ll use an Import/Export BN. You’ll also want to register for GST/HST, and, if you have employees, Payroll Deductions Registration. These registrations ensure you can bill correctly, file taxes, and stay compliant as you grow.
If you’re ready to move forward, start with a simple compliance check and set up a practical timeline. Use government portals to apply for the BN, Business Name registration, GST/HST, and any import/export identifiers, and call out WorkSafeBC and employment standards to your onboarding plan. You’ve got this—taking these steps now will set you up for smooth, steady growth in Burnaby.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a construction and mining (except oil well) machinery and equipment merchant wholesalers in Burnaby:
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BC Employment Standards Act Compliance RequiredEmployer compliance with BC Employment Standards Act requirements for wages, hours, and working conditions BC Employment Standards Act sets minimum requirements for all employers. Minimum wage: $17.85/hour (effective June 1, 2025). Standard hours: 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week. Overtime: time-and-a-half after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. 5 paid sick days required. Vacation: 2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years. Contact Employment Standards Branch: 1-833-236-3700.
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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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