Start Your Surrey Footwear Merchant Wholesaler Business Today
This page guides you through starting a footwear merchant wholesaler business (NAICS 424340) in Surrey. It highlights the eight key requirements—covering business registration, tax IDs, warehousing considerations, and compliance—and explains what permits and registrations you’ll need. You’ll also get an upfront view of costs and a practical timeline to help you plan your next steps with confidence.
What you’ll learn: a plain-language overview of each requirement, the documents you’ll need, and how long each step typically takes. We cover costs—from setup and licensing to insurance and warehousing—plus tips to avoid delays and stay compliant. Expect a realistic path of about 6–8 weeks from idea to your first shipment, with ongoing renewals and annual fees.
Surrey’s growing logistics network, affordable warehousing, and close access to Metro Vancouver retailers make it a smart place to launch. Plus, Surrey offers lower rents than nearby Vancouver, pro-business incentives, and a growing talent pool, helping you scale your footwear wholesale operation.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a footwear merchant wholesaler in Surrey, BC is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement for consumer goods, and you cannot legally operate without meeting safety standards, keeping proper records, and having a plan to manage any recalls. It’s non-negotiable and foundational to your business.
For everyday operations, focus on health, safety, and permits. You’ll need to protect your staff with WorkSafeBC coverage and registration, and you must have the essential licences to run your business. This includes obtaining a City of Surrey business licence and handling any provincial or industry-specific permits that apply to selling footwear. Grouped together, these items ensure a safe workplace and a compliant storefront for customers.
On the registration and tax side, you’ll want to set up the formal business accounts that Canada and BC require. This means registering for a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, and, if you’re operating as a sole proprietor or partnership, registering your BC business name. If you plan to import footwear, you’ll need an Import/Export Number; and depending on your sales, you may need GST/HST registration and payroll deductions for any employees.
Next steps: confirm your business structure and pick a name, then start the registrations—BN with the CRA, BC name registration, and Surrey’s business licence if needed. Check whether you must register for GST/HST and payroll deductions, and arrange WorkSafeBC coverage. Tackle these one by one, and you’ll have a clear, practical path to launching your footwear wholesale business in Surrey.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a footwear 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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