Start Your Footwear Manufacturing in Burnaby: A Practical Guide
This page helps aspiring footwear manufacturers in Burnaby understand the 7 essential requirements to launch a footwear manufacturing operation under NAICS 316210. It lays out what you need to set up: business registration, industry classification, a compliant workspace, and the permits and licenses that keep you on the right side of local rules. You’ll get a clear view of the costs involved and a realistic timeline from concept to first production.
You’ll walk through the seven requirements, the permits and approvals you’ll need (zoning clearance, building permits, health and safety compliance, and environmental considerations), plus practical cost ranges for equipment, facility, and staffing. The guide also maps a realistic 6–12 month timeline from concept to first run and toward steady production.
Burnaby’s industrial zones, strong supplier network, and proximity to Vancouver’s logistics hubs make it a smart base for footwear manufacturing. Couple that with favorable business resources in the region, and you’ll access skilled workers, affordable space options, and quick access to ports and distribution channels.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a footwear manufacturing business in Burnaby is BC Employment Standards Act Compliance. This is a legal baseline you cannot operate without, as it governs how you pay workers, how many hours they can work, overtime rules, vacation pay, leaves, and the records you must keep. There’s no room to shortcut this—compliance is non-negotiable if you want to hire staff and run your shop legally.
The second paragraph covers mandatory operational requirements that keep things safe and compliant day-to-day. Health and safety comes first: you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration, implement safe work practices, train employees, provide protective gear where needed, and keep hazard assessments and incident records. You’ll also need to follow product rules that apply to the materials you use, so Leather and Fur Product Regulations should be followed where relevant to ensure labeling, handling, and sourcing meet the applicable standards for your footwear.
In terms of business setup and taxes, you’ll need to organize your regulatory registrations. Obtain a Business Number (BN) from the CRA, and if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership in British Columbia, complete BC Business Name Registration. GST/HST registration may be required depending on your sales, and you’ll set up Payroll Deductions Registration to handle employee withholdings. These registrations connect your business to the tax system and payroll obligations, and they’re essential even before you start production.
You’ve got this—take the next steps with a concrete plan. Start by listing the compliance tasks above, then reach out to a local business advisor or BC regulatory resources to guide you through the registrations and safety setup. With clear priorities and steady progress, you’ll build a solid, compliant foundation for your Burnaby footwear manufacturing venture and move toward success.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a footwear manufacturing in Burnaby:
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BC Employment Standards Act Compliance RequiredEmployer compliance with BC Employment Standards Act requirements for wages, hours, and working conditions BC Employment Standards Act sets minimum requirements for all employers. Minimum wage: $17.85/hour (effective June 1, 2025). Standard hours: 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week. Overtime: time-and-a-half after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. 5 paid sick days required. Vacation: 2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years. Contact Employment Standards Branch: 1-833-236-3700.
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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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Leather and Fur Product Regulations ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Leather and fur product manufacturers must comply with labeling, species identification, and ethical sourcing requirements for animal products. Fur labeling and textile regulations. Competition Bureau requirements. Country of origin. Species identification. CITES for endangered species. Contact Competition Bureau: 1-800-348-5358.
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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.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your footwear manufacturing:
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A non-refundable 10% corporate income tax credit on eligible capital investments made by PEI corporations involved in manufacturing and processing. Claimed via T2 Schedule 321 filed with the corporation's T2 return. An additional Enriched Investment Tax Credit (up to 25%) is available through Innovation PEI for strategic-sector manufacturers requiring pre-approval …
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