Start Your Household Appliances Wholesale Business in Burnaby
This page offers a practical, step-by-step starter guide to launching a Household Appliances Wholesale business in Burnaby (NAICS 423620). You’ll get a clear overview of the 7 essential requirements, the permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to move from idea to your first shipment. The guidance is written to be actionable and easy to follow, so you can start taking concrete steps right away.
What you’ll learn: a concise 7-item checklist covering everything from business registration and obtaining a CRA business number with GST/HST, to Burnaby’s municipal license, insurance and WCB coverage, supplier agreements, and simple bookkeeping. We’ll flag which permits matter for wholesale activity, rough cost ranges, and a practical 3–6 month timeline to get you ship-ready.
Why Burnaby works for this niche: the city’s logistics-friendly location near Vancouver, strong transport links, and a growing market for appliances and electronics make a smart starting point for a wholesale operation. With ready access to suppliers and retailers, you can build momentum quickly while keeping overhead manageable.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you cannot operate without, and it applies to households appliances, electric housewares, and consumer electronics you wholesale. You must ensure products meet safety standards, display proper labeling, and have a clear plan to manage any recalls or safety notices. Non-compliance can trigger recalls, fines, or even a shutdown of your operations, so treat this as non-negotiable.
Beyond safety, you’ll need to cover mandatory operational aspects such as health, safety, and permits. This means securing WorkSafeBC coverage and registering for workplace health and safety requirements, plus implementing a basic program for employee training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. If you import or export goods, be prepared for related regulatory requirements and certifications, and establish clear recall and customer notification processes to stay compliant.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll handle a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) and related accounts. If you’re operating under a name other than your own, register a BC Business Name (for sole proprietorships or partnerships). GST/HST registration is required if your revenue meets the threshold or you choose to register voluntarily. If you have employees, you’ll also set up Payroll Deductions Registration. If you plan to import or export, you’ll need an Import/Export program account under your BN. These steps lay a solid, compliant foundation for your wholesale business.
Next steps: start with tightening product safety and recall readiness, then set up WorkSafeBC coverage. Move on to establishing your BN and optional program accounts (GST/HST, payroll, import/export), and register your BC business name if needed. Gather key documents, map out a compliance calendar, and consider a quick consult with a regulatory advisor to keep you on track and confident as you g
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a household appliances, electric housewares, and consumer electronics merchant wholesalers in Burnaby:
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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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