Launch Your Industrial Supplies Merchant Wholesalers Business in Burnaby
This page offers a practical, step-by-step roadmap to starting an Industrial Supplies Merchant Wholesalers business in Burnaby (NAICS 423840). You’ll get a clear overview of the 7 requirements, the permits you may need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to move from idea to operation. It’s written to be doable and action-oriented, so you can start taking concrete steps today.
You’ll learn exactly what it takes to meet those seven requirements, where to apply, and how long each step typically takes. Topics include business registration and name clearance, tax numbers (GST/HST), municipal and provincial licenses, insurance and safety compliance, basic bookkeeping, setting up a warehouse or showroom, and arranging supplier terms. We also share typical costs—registration and license fees, insurance, and initial stock—plus a practical timeline to keep you on track toward launch.
Burnaby is a smart fit for an industrial supplies wholesaler: its central location near Vancouver, active manufacturing and construction sectors, and strong logistics network help you reach customers and suppliers efficiently. With a clear plan and seven key steps, you can start strong and position your business for steady growth in this gateway city.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating an industrial supplies merchant wholesaler in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you cannot operate without, because products sold in British Columbia must meet safety standards and you must have a plan to quickly remove faulty items from the market if a problem is found. Non-negotiable: regulators expect documented safety compliance and an effective recalls process before you even start selling.
Beyond safety rules, there are mandatory operational requirements related to health, safety, and permits. You must have WorkSafeBC coverage for your staff and maintain appropriate safety policies and training. Be prepared to address recall procedures and ongoing compliance with safety standards for your inventory. In short, create a safe workplace and clear, practical processes to handle any product safety issues.
From a business registration and tax perspective, you’ll need a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) and, if you operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership in BC, register your BC business name. If you import or export goods, you’ll also need an Import/Export Business Number. Depending on your sales, you’ll register for GST/HST and set up payroll deductions with the CRA. These registrations keep you legally compliant and help you manage taxes and employee obligations smoothly.
Ready to move forward? Start by checking the relevant government portals (BC and CRA), gather key documents, and map out a simple compliance plan. If you’d like, I can outline a step-by-step checklist tailored to your situation and help you prioritize the actions so you can start with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a industrial supplies 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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