Launch a Flower, Nursery Stock & Florists' Supplies Wholesale Business in Burnaby
This page gives you a practical, friendly roadmap to launching a Flower, Nursery Stock, and Florists' Supplies Merchant Wholesalers business in Burnaby. It highlights the seven essential requirements, what permits and licenses you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline. Whether you’re starting fresh or expanding an existing operation, you’ll find clear, actionable steps to get up and running.
Seven key requirements to launch include: 1) choosing your business structure, 2) registering a name (if needed), 3) securing a CRA Business Number for GST/HST, 4) obtaining a Burnaby municipal business license, 5) meeting provincial zoning and occupancy rules for wholesale activity, 6) arranging WorkSafeBC coverage and safety practices, and 7) setting up insurance and a simple bookkeeping system. Startup costs vary by scale but typically cover license fees, initial inventory, warehouse or space costs, and basic equipment; most Burnaby launches reach the finish line in about 4–8 weeks.
Burnaby’s central Metro Vancouver location offers easy access to retailers, suppliers, and shipping routes, helping your wholesale operation grow quickly. It’s a supportive market for flower, nursery stock, and florists’ supplies.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a flower, nursery stock, and florists' supplies merchant wholesalers in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement, and you cannot operate without having a solid system to ensure products meet safety standards and to act quickly if a recall is issued. It’s non-negotiable: compliance protects customers, your license to sell, and your reputation.
Beyond that, the day-to-day operations rely on robust health and safety practices and necessary permits. In British Columbia, you’ll need WorkSafeBC coverage for your workers and you should follow applicable safety rules in your warehouse, showroom, or distribution center. You’ll also want to keep up with product safety obligations as your inventory changes, including recall monitoring and proper labeling or certifications where required. If your business handles cross-border shipments, plan for any import/export requirements as part of your operations.
For registering and taxes, you’ll need a federal Business Number (BN) to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency for taxes, payroll, and import/export matters. If you operate as a sole proprietor or partnership, you’ll register a BC Business Name. Depending on your revenue, GST/HST registration may be required. If you hire employees, set up payroll deductions. And if you import or export goods, you may also need an Import/Export Business Number. These steps help keep you compliant and ready to grow.
You’ve got this—taking these steps now sets you up for a smooth start. Gather the registrations, set timelines, and consider a quick consult with BC government resources or a local accountant to get everything in place. Once these basics are in place, you can focus on building your customer base and expanding your product lines.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a flower, nursery stock, and florists' supplies merchant wholesalers in Burnaby:
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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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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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