Launch Your Surrey Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers Business
This page offers a practical path to launching a fish and seafood merchant wholesalers business in Surrey (NAICS 424460). You’ll get a clear requirements overview, the permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from planning to first shipment. We translate complex rules into simple steps you can act on today.
You’ll learn the 9 requirements you must meet to operate legally in Surrey, plus the key permits and registrations (business number, GST/HST, import/export as needed, health and safety certifications). We break down startup costs—from licensing and insurance to facility, equipment, and initial stock—and give you a practical timeline to move from planning to launch.
Surrey’s proximity to Vancouver, strong seafood networks, and growing food industry make it a smart fit for a fish and seafood wholesale business. Following this clear, step-by-step path can help you meet the 9 requirements smoothly, secure approvals faster, and start serving customers with confidence.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a fish and seafood merchant wholesale business in Surrey is Safe Food for Canadians License (Wholesale). This federal license confirms your business meets Canada’s food-safety rules for handling and distributing seafood, and you cannot legally operate without it. Begin by applying with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, arrange your facilities and procedures to protect product quality, and prepare for inspections. Treat this license as non-negotiable foundation for your operation.
Beyond licensing, you must uphold health and safety duties in day-to-day operations. Ensure you have clear Product Safety and Recall Obligations so you can act quickly if a product issue arises, and secure WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect your employees and stay compliant with BC workplace rules. These measures are ongoing and essential to keep staff safe and maintain your ability to sell seafood.
On the business-registration and tax side, you’ll need a Business Number (BN) to interact with federal programs, and a municipal Business Licence to operate in Surrey. If using a trade name, register a BC Business Name (Sole Proprietorship or Partnership). Depending on your setup, you may also need an Import/Export Business Number, GST/HST Registration, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you hire staff. These registrations ensure you’re set up with government and tax authorities.
Next steps: create a simple compliance plan, tackle registrations in a logical order, and keep systems practical. Start with safety-critical licenses, then add registrations as you grow. With a clear, action-focused plan, you’ll be ready to launch your Surrey fish and seafood wholesale business confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a fish and seafood merchant wholesalers in Surrey:
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Safe Food for Canadians License (Wholesale) RequiredWholesalers of food products must be licensed under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations and implement preventive controls for food safety. CFIA Safe Food for Canadians Licence for food wholesale/distribution. Interprovincial/export trade. Preventive control plan. Traceability requirements. Contact CFIA: 1-800-442-2342.
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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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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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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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