Launch Burnaby’s Industrial Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers
This page is your practical, step-by-step guide to launching an Industrial Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers business in Burnaby (NAICS 423830). It shares a clear 7‑requirement roadmap, the permits you’ll likely need, and a realistic view of startup costs and timeline. Use it as an action plan to move from idea to trading with confidence.
You’ll learn exactly what the 7 requirements cover—business registration, tax accounts, warehouse and zoning permits, insurance, and supplier licensing. The guide flags Burnaby- and BC-specific permits, outlines typical startup costs, and shows how to estimate your budget. It also maps a practical timeline—when to apply and how long approvals take so you can start selling sooner.
Burnaby’s industrial ecosystem and its proximity to Vancouver offer easy access to suppliers, customers, and logistics infrastructure, making it a smart base for an equipment wholesaler. If you’re ready to serve local manufacturers and contractors, Burnaby is a strong launchpad for your NAICS 423830 business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a industrial machinery and equipment merchant wholesalers in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement, and you cannot operate unless your products meet safety standards and you have a clear plan for recalls if needed. This is non-negotiable. Put simple systems in place to track safety notices, keep product certifications on file, and have a defined process for notifying customers and withdrawing affected items.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: health, safety, and permits. On the health and safety side, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration, along with a solid safety program, staff training, hazard assessments, and a clear incident reporting process. Maintaining a safe workplace and ensuring employees understand proper handling and selling practices for industrial machinery is essential. Any related permits or daily compliance duties should be kept current as part of your ongoing operations.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll handle core registrations and tax numbers to legally run in BC. Start with a Business Number (BN) from the federal government for your company. If you operate under a sole proprietorship or partnership in BC, register your BC Business Name. If you plan to import or export goods, obtain an Import/Export Business Number. Register for GST/HST when required, and set up Payroll D deductions Registration if you have employees. These registrations underpin your invoicing, reporting, and payroll.
Encouragement and next steps: Use this as a concrete, easy-to-follow checklist. Start with Product Safety and recalls policy, then line up WorkSafeBC registration and safety planning, followed by BN and BC Business Name registrations, plus any import/export and tax registrations you’ll need. If you’d like, I can map out a step-by-step timeline and point you to the exact government pages to complete each item. You’re taking solid, practical steps—keep going, and
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a industrial machinery and equipment 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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