Launch Your Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Merchant Wholesalers Business in Surrey
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Merchant Wholesalers business (NAICS 424480) in Surrey. It provides a clear look at the nine requirements you’ll need to meet, plus the licenses, permits, and costs involved to start wholesaling produce. You’ll also see a realistic timeline to go from idea to an active wholesale operation.
What you’ll learn here: the nine essential steps to operate legally in Surrey, including choosing a business structure, registering a name, obtaining a municipal business license, and handling GST/HST registration. We cover the permits you may need for a wholesale fruit and veg warehouse, basic insurance you should carry, and the zoning and health requirements that keep your operation compliant. We also share ballpark costs and an estimated timeline so you can plan confidently.
Surrey is a strong base for a produce wholesale business, with access to the Fraser Valley's rich suppliers and a growing network of retailers. With the right plan, you could be up and running in a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on approvals.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a fresh fruit and vegetable wholesale business in Surrey is the Safe Food for Canadians Licence (Wholesale). This license, issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, is legally required to handle, store and distribute wholesale foods. You cannot legally operate without it, and obtaining it is non-negotiable. Alongside the licence, you must comply with product safety and recall obligations to protect customers and maintain traceability.
In addition to licensing, there are mandatory operational requirements around health and safety. You’ll need to have robust product safety and recall processes in place, including proper handling, cleaning, and storage practices, plus a plan for quickly identifying and communicating any recalls. Workplace safety is also non‑negotiable: ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration and provide safe working conditions for your staff, with appropriate training and recordkeeping.
For business setup and taxes, you’ll need to establish key registrations and numbers. This includes obtaining a federal Business Number (BN) and using it to register for GST/HST, payroll deductions, and any necessary import/export accounts. You’ll also need a Surrey business licence and, if you operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership, BC Business Name Registration. Keeping these registrations up to date and linked correctly to your BN helps you stay compliant and avoid penalties.
Next steps: start by applying for the Safe Food for Canadians Licence (Wholesale) and lining up your product-safety and recall protocols. Then secure your WorkSafeBC coverage, obtain your municipal licence, and set up your BN with the appropriate GST/HST and payroll accounts. With these essentials in place, you’ll be on solid footing to launch and grow your wholesale business in Surrey. You’ve got this—take it one step at a time and reach out for help if you need it.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a fresh fruit and vegetable merchant wholesalers in Surrey:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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).
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Starting a business can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our AI-powered business matcher can help you understand exactly what you need for your specific situation.
Try Our AI Business Matcher Get Expert Help
No credit card required • Takes 2 minutes
Browse Other Business Sectors
Explore business requirements in other industries: