Launch Your Surrey Flower, Nursery Stock, and Florists' Supplies Wholesale Business
This page helps aspiring entrepreneurs launch a Flower, Nursery Stock, and Florists' Supplies Merchant Wholesalers business (NAICS 424930) in Surrey. It provides a clear map of the eight essential requirements, the licenses and registrations you’ll need, and the steps to get up and running. You’ll also get a practical view of permits, estimated costs, and the expected timeline so you can plan with confidence.
You’ll learn exactly what to prepare for Surrey’s rules: city business licensing, provincial registrations, and tax registration, plus any zoning or storage permits. We break down each requirement, share rough cost ranges, and outline a realistic timeline. A simple checklist helps you track progress as you choose a storefront, warehouse, or home-based setup.
Surrey offers a strong market for flowers, nursery stock, and florists’ supplies, with access to suppliers and customers across the region. This page helps you turn your idea into a launch-ready business—fast, practical, and supported every step of the way.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a flower, nursery stock, and florists' supplies merchant wholesalers in Surrey is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you cannot operate without, and you must have formal processes to verify products meet safety standards, keep traceable supplier/batch records, and be ready to act quickly if any item is recalled. It’s non-negotiable: without a solid recall plan and compliant product-safety practices, you cannot legally sell or import goods.
Mandatory operational requirements cover health, safety, and permits. Ensure your workplace is covered by WorkSafeBC and that you have the appropriate coverage for all employees. You’ll also need a Surrey business licence to operate in the city, and if you’re using a name other than your own, BC Business Name Registration to legally register that name. If your operations include importing or exporting goods, you’ll also need an Import/Export Business Number to handle cross-border shipments.
Business registration and tax requirements are the next important group. You’ll need a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number to manage taxes and government accounts. Depending on your sales, GST/HST Registration may be required once you meet the threshold. If you hire staff, plan for Payroll Deductions Registration. Depending on your business structure, you may also need BC Business Name Registration if you use an adopted trade name, and an Import/Export BN if you actively move goods across borders.
If you’re ready to move forward, start with securing the CRITICAL Product Safety and Recall Obligations, then tackle the practical steps: contact Surrey’s city licensing, set up your CRA BN, and register for GST/HST as needed. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a local business advisor to map out the first 90 days—you’ve got a solid path to a compliant, thriving wholesale operation.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a flower, nursery stock, and florists' supplies 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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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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