Launch Your Victoria Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing Startup
This page offers a practical, how-to guide for starting a Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing business (NAICS 315250) in Victoria. You’ll get a clear, step-by-step overview of the nine requirements, key permits and licenses, and the cost ranges you’ll encounter from idea to first production run. It also maps a realistic timeline from setup to your first order.
You’ll learn the essential steps to launch: register your business and obtain a CRA business number, apply for GST/HST registration, secure a Victoria municipal business license, and confirm industrial zoning. We cover safety and compliance—WorkSafeBC registration, fire and environmental contingencies—plus insurance, equipment and facilities setup, and a hiring plan. Expect practical cost ranges for permits, licenses, and equipment, plus a typical timeline from filing to operating.
Victoria is a solid match for this kind of business: a skilled local workforce, close access to Pacific Northwest markets, supportive city programs, and relatively affordable space compared with larger cities. All these factors help you start lean, reach customers faster, and grow sustainably.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Victoria, BC is WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration. It is legally required to provide workers with protection, and you cannot operate a cut-and-sew apparel manufacturing shop without it. You must register with WorkSafeBC and maintain coverage for all employees; non-compliance can trigger penalties or a shutdown. This is NON-NEGOTIABLE.
Beyond safety coverage, you’ll need to meet core operational rules. Make sure you comply with the BC Employment Standards Act for wages, hours, overtime, and leave. You’ll also need a valid City of Victoria Business Licence (permit) to run your shop legally. For your products, follow Apparel Product Safety Standards and Apparel Labeling Requirements to protect customers and stay compliant with consumer rules.
On the registration and tax side, set up a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) for payroll and taxes. If you reach the threshold, register for GST/HST. If you’re using a trade name, register your BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership). The BN is also used for payroll deductions and remitting deductions to CRA.
Next steps: map out a quick action plan—contact WorkSafeBC to complete coverage, set up your BN with CRA (and handle payroll deductions), apply for GST/HST registration if needed, and obtain the Victoria City business licence. Tackle these steps at a steady pace and you’ll have a solid, compliant start for your apparel manufacturing business in Victoria. If helpful, consider a brief session with a local small-business advisor to tailor this checklist to your exact setup.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a cut and sew apparel manufacturing (except contractors) in Victoria:
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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 Victoria. Apply to City of Victoria 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 Victoria 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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