Start a Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Wholesaler in Burnaby
This page offers a practical, eight-step blueprint to launching a Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Wholesaler in Burnaby (NAICS 424480). It highlights eight essential requirements—licensing, permits, a compliant workspace, inventory and equipment, insurance, supplier setup, staffing, and ongoing compliance—turned into simple, doable actions so you can move from idea to your first wholesale order.
You’ll learn exactly what permits and registrations you’ll need (typically a municipal business license and zoning checks, with potential health/food handling permits depending on your operations), the typical upfront costs (space or warehouse setup, refrigeration, initial stock, licenses, and insurance), and a realistic timeline from planning to launch. The guide also covers ongoing costs, vendor contracts, and steps to stay compliant as you scale.
Burnaby’s central location in Metro Vancouver, strong access to fresh produce suppliers, and efficient distribution networks make this a smart place to grow a wholesale fruit and veg business under NAICS 424480.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a fresh fruit and vegetable merchant wholesaler in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you cannot operate without. You must have robust product safety practices, traceability, and recall readiness in place—this is non-negotiable. You’ll also find that the Safe Food for Canadians License (Wholesale) is essential to legally wholesale food in Canada, and it is treated as a core, non-negotiable requirement for wholesalers.
For day-to-day operations, focus on mandatory health, safety, and permit items. Grouped together, you’ll need to uphold product safety and recall obligations, obtain and maintain the Safe Food for Canadians License (Wholesale), and ensure WorkSafeBC coverage and registration for workplace safety. Build practical controls around storage, handling, sanitation, and employee training so your team stays compliant and customers stay safe.
On the business side, you’ll handle Registration and Tax requirements. You’ll obtain a Business Number (BN) from the federal government and, if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership in British Columbia, you’ll also register a BC Business Name. Depending on your plans, you may need an Import/Export Business Number, GST/HST Registration, and Payroll Deductions Registration (if you hire staff). These numbers are your bridge to working with suppliers, customers, and the government.
You’ve got this—start with the big, non‑negotiable pieces, then pace yourself through the rest. A practical next step is to map out the applications you need (BN, BC Business Name, SFCA license, WorkSafeBC) and set a realistic timeline. If you’d like, I can draft a simple action plan with steps and timing to keep you on track.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a fresh fruit and vegetable merchant wholesalers in Burnaby:
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Safe Food for Canadians License (Wholesale) RequiredWholesalers of food products must be licensed under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations and implement preventive controls for food safety. CFIA Safe Food for Canadians Licence for food wholesale/distribution. Interprovincial/export trade. Preventive control plan. Traceability requirements. Contact CFIA: 1-800-442-2342.
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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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