Launch a Surrey Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers Business
This Surrey page gives you a straight-talk, practical path to launching a Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers business. You'll find a clear 10-item requirements checklist, plus what licenses, permits, and registrations you’re likely to need. We translate the steps into plain language, with honest costs and a realistic timeline so you can plan with confidence from day one. This framework aligns with NAICS 424210 for Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers.
What you’ll learn: the 10 essential requirements and how to tackle them, plus the permits you may need—municipal business licenses, provincial registrations, and Health Canada’s Drug Establishment Licence if you’ll wholesale drug products. We break down typical start‑up costs (incorporation, licensing, insurance, security and storage compliance) and map a practical timeline from incorporation to first shipment.
Surrey is a great base for this business—close to Vancouver’s markets, strong logistics, and a growing wholesale ecosystem. The city’s business-friendly atmosphere helps you reach customers faster and scale as you grow. Plus, Surrey's growing health and safety culture supports compliance and smooth audits.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a drugs and druggists' sundries merchant wholesalers in Surrey is Drug Establishment License (DEL). This license is legally required by Health Canada to store, test, and distribute drug products, and you cannot legally operate without it. It is non-negotiable and must be in place before you start any wholesale activities.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to the DEL, you must meet health, safety, and permit requirements. Establish a robust Product Safety and Recall Obligations program so you can quickly identify, recall, and report any unsafe drug products and keep detailed records. Ensure workplace safety by having WorkSafeBC coverage and registration, and follow Transportation of Dangerous Goods rules if you handle any hazardous materials during shipping. If your business involves importing or exporting, you’ll also need the appropriate import/export compliance steps.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, a municipal Business Licence for Surrey, and, if you’re operating as a sole proprietor or partnership, BC Business Name Registration. If you import or export, secure an Import/Export Business Number. You’ll also register for GST/HST and set up payroll deductions as required.
Encouragement: Getting these in place is doable—start with the DEL application, then tackle each registration step one by one. Reach out to Health Canada, Surrey’s city licensing office, and a local regulatory consultant if you’d like help mapping a clear path. With a practical plan, you’ll be on track to launch confidently and legally.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a drugs and druggists' sundries merchant wholesalers in Surrey:
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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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Drug Establishment License (DEL) RequiredWholesalers of drugs, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices must be licensed as a Drug Establishment by Health Canada. Includes requirements for quality assurance, record keeping, and reporting. Health Canada Drug Establishment License (DEL). Required for manufacturing, packaging, labeling, importing, distributing, wholesaling drugs. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Annual renewal. Site license. Inspection program. Drug Identification Number (DIN) separate. Contact Health Canada: 1-866-225-0709.
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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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Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Compliance ConditionalRequired for dangerous goods transport. Wholesalers handling or shipping dangerous goods must comply with TDG regulations, including proper classification, packaging, labeling, documentation, and emergency response information. Training required before handling dangerous goods - no federal license. Employer must provide/approve training. Certificate valid 3 years. Two components: general education + site-specific training. Employer issues formal TDG Certificate of Training after both components. Online courses available ($50-$150). Contact Transport Canada: 1-855-824-2020.
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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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