Launch Your Burnaby Electrical Apparatus and Equipment Wholesale Business
This page guides you through starting an Electrical Apparatus and Equipment, Wiring Supplies, and Related Equipment Merchant Wholesaler business in Burnaby under NAICS 423610. You’ll get a practical overview of the seven requirements you must meet, plus the permits, registrations, and upfront costs involved. The goal is to turn planning into action with clear, step-by-step tasks and real-world timelines.
You’ll learn the exact next steps: a concise requirements overview, the permits you’ll need from municipal to provincial levels, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from incorporation to sales. We break costs into filing fees, licenses, insurance, and basic setup expenses, plus practical tips to speed approvals by gathering documents early and aligning with Burnaby bylaws.
Best of all, Burnaby’s strategic location in Metro Vancouver gives you access to industrial zones, suppliers, and a growing customer base for electrical supplies. With seven requirements to meet, you can move from idea to active operations faster with a practical plan and a clear path to permits, licenses, and startup timelines.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This means every electrical apparatus and related equipment you wholesale must meet current safety standards and you must have a clear, documented plan for recalls if a safety issue arises. This is a legal requirement and non-negotiable—you cannot legally run or sell this type of equipment without meeting these safety obligations.
Beyond safety, you’ll need to address health, safety, and permits as part of your day-to-day operations. Ensure your workers have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration, along with clear safety policies, training, and incident reporting. These health and safety measures protect your team and help you stay compliant as you run a warehouse, handle importing and distribution, and hire staff.
On the business and tax side, focus on the core registrations. You’ll need a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) and, if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership in BC, BC Business Name Registration. If you plan to import or export, you’ll also require an Import/Export Business Number. In addition, GST/HST registration may be required based on your revenue, and Payroll Deductions Registration is needed for employees.
Next steps: map out a practical timeline and start gathering the necessary documents. Begin with the BN and BC business name registrations, then set up WorkSafeBC coverage and your safety programs. Use the government portals to guide you through the exact forms and thresholds, and consider a simple, actionable checklist to stay on track. If you’d like, I can tailor a step-by-step plan specific to your Burnaby wholesale operation.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a electrical apparatus and equipment, wiring supplies, and related equipment merchant wholesalers in Burnaby:
-
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.
-
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).
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Starting a business can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our AI-powered business matcher can help you understand exactly what you need for your specific situation.
Try Our AI Business Matcher Get Expert Help
No credit card required • Takes 2 minutes
Browse Other Business Sectors
Explore business requirements in other industries: