Launch a Footwear Manufacturing Business in Surrey Today
This page gives a practical, step-by-step overview for starting a footwear manufacturing business in Surrey, BC. You’ll find an eight-step plan that covers the essentials: registrations, licenses, zoning checks, and the permits you’ll need before you start production. It’s a clear, approachable roadmap designed to move you from concept to your first samples quickly and confidently.
Read on to learn exactly which permits and licenses apply to NAICS 316210 in Surrey, including business licensing, environmental and occupancy reviews, and any provincial manufacturing approvals. We break down upfront costs—equipment, lease or facility setup, insurance, and payroll—and outline a realistic timeline from registration to first finished product. Practical tips help you coordinate with local authorities and stay on budget.
Surrey’s growing manufacturing scene, access to reliable suppliers, and proximity to Vancouver shipping routes make it a strong place to launch footwear production. The city’s supportive business climate and diverse talent pool can help you scale faster with fewer headaches.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a footwear manufacturing business in Surrey is Business Licence. This municipal permit is what legally allows you to operate in the city, and you cannot start production or hire staff without it. Apply through the City of Surrey’s licensing office, and be prepared for annual renewals and fees. Securing this permission first sets a solid foundation for everything else you need to do and is non-negotiable.
Mandatory Operational Requirements include health, safety, and regulatory permits. If you hire employees, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and comply with the BC Employment Standards Act. If you’re making leather or fur products, check Leather and Fur Product Regulations for applicable labeling and safety rules. Establish basic workplace safety practices, keep training records, and maintain a straightforward incident reporting process to stay compliant.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need to set up key government numbers. Obtain a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) to handle taxes and payroll. If you operate under a name other than your own, register a BC Business Name (for sole proprietorship or partnership). Plan for GST/HST Registration if your sales meet the threshold, and set up Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees.
Next steps: Start with the Surrey Licence, then complete BN registration, GST/HST, and any payroll or WorkSafeBC requirements. Create a simple compliance checklist and timeline, and reach out to a local business advisor or the Surrey Small Business Centre for tailored help. You’ve got this—take it one step at a time and build a solid, compliant foundation for your footwear manufacturing business.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a footwear manufacturing in Surrey:
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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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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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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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