Start Your Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors Business in Burnaby Today
This page lays out a practical, step-by-step path to start a cut and sew apparel contractor business in Burnaby (NAICS 315210). You’ll get a clear overview of the seven requirements, the permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from planning to first contract. It’s designed to be friendly and doable, even if you’re new to manufacturing.
There are seven key requirements you’ll meet, including: 1) business registration and name clearance, 2) Burnaby municipal business license, 3) provincial GST/HST registration, 4) insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage, 5) zoning and fire/safety permits for a sewing/assembly facility, 6) equipment sourcing and supplier contracts, and 7) basic bookkeeping and compliance. We also outline typical startup costs—equipment, workspace, licenses, and insurance—and a practical timeline from planning to your first contract, often a few weeks to a few months.
Burnaby’s industrial parks and close access to Vancouver’s suppliers and logistics create a strong foundation for apparel contractors. With the right permits and a clear plan, you can launch lean and scale as contracts come in.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a legal must-have from the Canada Revenue Agency and you cannot legally run a cut-and-sew apparel contracting business without it. Your BN acts as your single federal ID for taxes, payroll, and other government programs, and you’ll need it before opening accounts, issuing invoices, or hiring staff. There is no negotiated workaround—this is non-negotiable.
Next are the mandatory operational requirements that keep your day-to-day running compliant. You’ll want to secure WorkSafeBC coverage for your workers and register accordingly, so you meet workplace safety obligations. In addition, you must align with apparel-specific rules, including product safety standards and labeling requirements for clothing. These rules protect your customers and your team and must be followed as your production grows.
On business registration and taxes, you’ll likely need BC Business Name Registration if you’re not operating under your personal legal name, along with GST/HST Registration. You’ll also handle Payroll Deductions Registration with the Canada Revenue Agency to manage employee withholdings. These registrations establish your business identity, ensure you collect and remit taxes correctly, and let you payroll legally.
To move forward, start with your BN, then decide on BC business name registration if needed, and set up GST/HST and payroll accounts. Build a simple compliance checklist and calendar, and consider a quick consult with a business advisor if helpful. With these essentials in place, you’ll have a solid foundation to launch your Burnaby cut-and-sew operation with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a cut and sew apparel contractors in Burnaby:
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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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Apparel Product Safety Standards ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Apparel products must meet safety standards for flammability, drawstrings, small parts (children), and chemical content restrictions. Canada Consumer Product Safety Act compliance. Flammability requirements for children's sleepwear. No prohibited substances (lead, phthalates). Product testing. Recall procedures. Incident reporting. Contact Health Canada: 1-866-662-0666.
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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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Apparel Labeling Requirements ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Apparel manufacturers must comply with textile labeling (fiber content, care), country of origin, and dealer identification requirements. Textile Labelling Act compliance. CA identification number from Competition Bureau. Bilingual labels (English/French). Fibre content percentages. Dealer identity. Country of origin. Contact Competition Bureau: 1-800-348-5358.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your cut and sew apparel contractors:
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A non-refundable 10% corporate income tax credit on eligible capital investments made by PEI corporations involved in manufacturing and processing. Claimed via T2 Schedule 321 filed with the corporation's T2 return. An additional Enriched Investment Tax Credit (up to 25%) is available through Innovation PEI for strategic-sector manufacturers requiring pre-approval …
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