Launch a Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing in Surrey
This page offers a practical starter guide to launching a cut and sew apparel manufacturing operation in Surrey (NAICS 315250). It outlines a clear, step-by-step path through the nine requirements you must meet, plus where to find permits, licenses, and zoning rules. Learn how to estimate startup costs, choose the right business structure, and plan a realistic path from registration to your first production run.
You’ll learn the key steps to register your business, secure required permits and licenses, find suitable industrial space, and set up equipment, safety, and quality controls. We break down the costs and create a realistic timeline, from initial planning to sourcing fabrics and finishing your first samples. This guide keeps things practical and momentum-friendly.
Surrey’s growing fashion ecosystem and close access to Vancouver-area suppliers and logistics offer a smart base for growth. With a supportive business climate, skilled local labor, and affordable space, starting a cut and sew operation here can move you from idea to production smoothly.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Surrey is BC Employment Standards Act Compliance. This means you must follow rules on minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation pay, and keeping accurate payroll records for every employee. It’s a legal necessity and non-negotiable—without compliant HR and pay practices, you cannot operate legally in British Columbia. Treat this as the foundation of your startup and align hiring and compensation processes from day one.
For health, safety, and permits, focus on practical operational requirements. Make sure you have WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration so workers are protected and premiums are properly managed. On the product side, comply with Apparel Product Safety Standards and Apparel Labeling Requirements to keep garments safe and clearly labeled for customers. Grouping these safeguards helps your production run smoothly and reduces risk; build simple safety procedures and training into daily routines.
Business Registration & Tax is the next area to tackle. You’ll need a Business Number (BN) to interact with federal programs, plus a Business Licence from the City of Surrey to operate locally. If you’re a Sole Proprietor or Partnership, register your BC Business Name. As you grow, you’ll handle GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration to stay compliant with taxes and employee payroll.
Next steps and encouragement: map a practical compliance plan with clear timelines, and check Surrey’s licensing requirements. Gather the necessary documents, set up CRA accounts, and arrange WorkSafeBC coverage. If you’d like, I can help you build a tailored checklist and timeline to get your cut-and-sew shop up and running smoothly in Surrey.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a cut and sew apparel manufacturing (except contractors) 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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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 manufacturing (except 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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