Launch Your Surrey Jewelry and Precious Metals Wholesale Business
This page offers a practical blueprint to launch a Jewelry, Watch, Precious Stone, and Precious Metal Merchant Wholesale business in Surrey. You’ll find a clear requirements overview, the permits and licenses you’ll need, typical start-up costs, and a realistic timeline to move from idea to active operation.
Eight essential requirements guide the setup, from choosing your legal structure and registering with the CRA to obtaining a Surrey business license and setting up GST/HST. You’ll also learn about location and zoning, banking and bookkeeping, insurance and security, and compliance for precious metals and stones (export/import rules, hallmarking and AML considerations). We’ll give cost ranges and a practical 4–8 week timeline so you can plan confidently, including inventory, licensing fees, insurance, and initial marketing.
Surrey’s strong market and logistics network in Metro Vancouver make it a smart place to establish a jewelry wholesale operation, with room to grow online and with retailers across the region.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a jewelry, watch, precious stone, and precious metal merchant wholesaler in Surrey is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you cannot bypass; you must ensure every product meets safety standards and you have a plan to recall items if a safety issue arises. This responsibility applies to all your products—rings, bracelets, watches, gemstones, and precious metals—and you should keep clear records and a ready recall process.
Beyond product safety, you’ll need to cover health and safety and permits. Make sure your workplace complies with WorkSafeBC requirements and has coverage for employees. For permits, you’ll need a Surrey business licence to operate in the city, and you should follow any local rules that apply to selling jewelry and precious items.
On the business and tax side, you’ll need to set up your government numbers. You’ll register for a Business Number (BN) with the federal government, register your BC Business Name if you’re using a name other than your own, and, if you import or export goods, get an Import/Export Business Number. You’ll also handle GST/HST registration and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have staff.
Next steps: start by confirming the product-safety obligations with suppliers and authorities, then line up the registrations and licences listed here. Gather documents, set deadlines, and consider talking to a local business advisor or the BC government services to get you registered. You can do this in small steps and stay on track.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a jewelry, watch, precious stone, and precious metal 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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