Launch a Surrey Construction and Mining Machinery Wholesale Business
This page shows the nine essential requirements to launch a Construction and Mining (except Oil Well) Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesaler business in Surrey, BC (NAICS 423810). It offers a practical, step-by-step overview of registrations, licenses, permits, and the core setup tasks you’ll tackle before you can start selling heavy equipment. Use the requirements overview to map your timeline, expected costs, and required approvals.
What you’ll learn: the exact permits you’ll need—municipal business license, provincial registrations, and federal tax IDs—plus zoning and facility criteria for a wholesale distribution space. We’ll cover safety and compliance (WHMIS), workers’ compensation and insurance, GST/HST registration, and supplier-credit considerations. The guide also outlines typical costs (licensing fees, insurance, warehousing, and initial inventory) and a realistic timeline from incorporation to first shipment.
Why Surrey works: Surrey’s growing construction activity and proximity to Vancouver’s markets create strong demand for wholesale machinery. The city’s logistics network, access to suppliers, and a large client base in construction and mining make it a smart launchpad for NAICS 423810 businesses.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a construction and mining (except oil well) machinery and equipment merchant wholesalers in Surrey is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you cannot circumvent; without a compliant product safety and recalls program, you cannot legally sell, lease, or distribute these machines. Set up clear procedures for safety labels, user instructions, defect reporting, and any required recalls so you can demonstrate compliance to regulators, customers, and insurers. Treat this as non-negotiable from day one.
The second paragraph focuses on mandatory operational requirements. You’ll need to prioritize health and safety in the workplace, including WorkSafeBC coverage and registration so every employee and contractor is protected and your site meets provincial standards. Also ensure BC Employment Standards Act compliance—fair pay, minimum wage, overtime, hours of work, vacation, and leaves—along with proper training and record-keeping. If you hire staff or contractors, these protections and processes are essential to avoid penalties and keep your team safe and productive.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll want to square away several items. Obtain a Business Number (BN) and register for a Business Licence with the City of Surrey. If you operate under a name other than your own, register a BC Business Name (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership). You may also need an Import/Export Business Number if you trade across borders, GST/HST registration if your revenue meets the threshold, and Payroll D deductions Registration for payroll taxes. These numbers keep your business compliant and ready for smooth operations and reporting.
If you’re ready to move forward, start by confirming product safety obligations and then line up the registrations you’ll need. Gather your business structure choices, applications for BN and name registration, and plan for WorkSafeBC coverage and employment standards compliance. W
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a construction and mining (except oil well) machinery and equipment merchant wholesalers in Surrey:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey 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 Surrey Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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