Launch Your Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors Business in Surrey Today
This guide helps you launch a Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors business (NAICS 315210) in Surrey. It outlines the eight essential requirements to get started—licenses, permits, registrations, zoning, and the right workspace. Learn where to apply for a municipal business license, how GST/HST registrations fit in, and what setup steps you’ll need before you produce your first garment. It’s a clear, practical path from idea to operation.
What you’ll learn: the permits and licenses Surrey requires for a small sewing operation, typical approval timelines, and the costs you should plan for—licenses, insurance, and essential equipment. We’ll also cover tax registrations, like GST/HST, and basic safety steps to get you WorkSafeBC-ready. Practical tips help you avoid delays and start taking contracts sooner.
Why Surrey makes sense: affordable rents and a growing manufacturing ecosystem in Metro Vancouver support steady growth for a cut-and-sew contractor as you scale from a studio to a compliant shop.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a cut and sew apparel contractor business in Surrey is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This federal identifier is legally required to run your business, file taxes, hire workers, and issue invoices, so you cannot operate without it. It is non-negotiable.
Beyond the BN, you must meet mandatory operational requirements focused on health, safety, and product compliance. Arrange WorkSafeBC coverage for your workers and follow workplace safety rules. You also need to meet Apparel Product Safety Standards and Apparel Labeling Requirements so your garments are safe and clearly labeled for customers and regulators. Be prepared for any required product permits or approvals that apply to your operations.
On the business and tax side, establish your registration and numbers. You’ll need a BC Business Licence to operate in Surrey and, if you’re using a trade name, BC Business Name Registration for a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership. If your revenue crosses the GST/HST threshold, register for GST/HST; and if you have employees, set up Payroll Deductions Registration with the Canada Revenue Agency.
Next steps: start with obtaining your BN, then apply for the Surrey Business Licence and BC Name registration as needed, and set up GST/HST and payroll registrations. If you’d like, I can turn this into a simple, step-by-step checklist and timeline to keep you moving forward confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a cut and sew apparel contractors in Surrey:
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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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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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