Launch Your Surrey Industrial Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers
This page guides you through launching an Industrial Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers business in Surrey (NAICS 423830). It offers a practical, step-by-step path from setup to first sales, plus an eight-item requirements checklist so you know exactly which permits, registrations, and upfront costs you'll face. You'll also see typical timelines and budgeting tips to kick things off confidently.
What you’ll learn: the eight essential requirements to start and operate legally in Surrey, including federal and provincial registrations, a business license if needed, GST/HST registration, WorkSafeBC coverage, zoning compliance, insurance needs, and estimated startup costs and timelines. We’ll outline permits and the expected timeline so you can budget accurately and stay on track.
Why Surrey? This city blends a strong industrial market with easy access to suppliers, ports, and customers, making it a smart hub for an industrial equipment wholesaler. The local ecosystem supports growth, and our guide helps you navigate licensing, permits, and timelines quickly so you can start confident.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Surrey, BC is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is not optional—it's legally required for anyone selling industrial machinery and equipment, and you cannot legally operate without a clear plan to meet safety standards and manage recalls. You must maintain up-to-date safety documentation, act on recall notices, and address safety issues promptly. Non-compliance can bring penalties or a halt to your ability to trade essential equipment, so this requirement is non-negotiable.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, and permits are the focus here. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage for all staff and provide training on safe handling of heavy machinery. Put in place proper storage, transport, and hazard controls, and obtain any permits or regulatory approvals specific to your equipment before you operate. Maintaining these safety measures protects workers, customers, and your business.
Business Registration & Tax: To operate legally, you need a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) and a Surrey business licence. If you use a name other than your legal name, register your BC business name (sole proprietorship/partnership). If you import or export machinery, apply for an Import/Export account. For taxes, register for GST/HST with the CRA (if you meet thresholds or want credits) and set up Payroll Deductions registration for employees.
Take the next steps with a practical plan: confirm safety and recall obligations, contact the City of Surrey about licensing, and set up your BN, business name registration if needed, and CRA accounts. Gather the basic documents you’ll need and consider a simple 4-week checklist to get fully compliant and ready to start sourcing and selling machinery in Surrey. If you’d like, I can tailor that plan to your specific product lines and timeline.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a industrial machinery and equipment 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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