Start Your Burnaby Meat and Meat Product Merchant Wholesalers Business Today
This page walks you through launching a Meat and Meat Product Merchant Wholesale business in Burnaby (NAICS 424470). It breaks down the eight practical requirements, from city licenses to health permits, and maps out the permits, costs, and a realistic timeline. You’ll get a clear, doable plan to move from idea to first shipment.
You’ll learn exactly what you must do: obtain a Burnaby business license, a provincial meat-handling/wholesale license, Fraser Health health and safety permits, insurance, a Canada Revenue Agency business number and GST/HST registration, and compliance steps for storage, cold chain, and record-keeping. We outline typical costs for licenses, inspections, facility upgrades, and ongoing fees, plus a step-by-step timeline so you’re never guessing what comes next.
Burnaby’s logistics-friendly location in Metro Vancouver gives you quick access to suppliers, distributors, and major markets, with strong infrastructure and business support for food-based ventures. The combination of a robust supply chain and a growing food scene makes it a practical, welcoming place to launch a meat wholesale business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a meat and meat product merchant wholesaler in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is legally required and you cannot operate without it. In practical terms, you’ll need a robust food safety system and a clear plan to identify, trace, and recall any product that could pose a risk to consumers. This requirement is non-negotiable, so building compliant safety and recall processes from day one is essential.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: You’ll also need key health and safety permits to run smoothly. The Safe Food for Canadians License (Wholesale) is mandatory to legally buy, store, and distribute wholesale meat products. You must comply with product safety and recall obligations, including traceability and rapid recall procedures if issues arise. For worker safety, ensure WorkSafeBC coverage and registration so employees are protected and your workplace meets BC rules.
Business Registration & Tax: To operate legally you’ll need a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) and, if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, BC Business Name Registration. If your business involves importing or exporting meat, you’ll also need an Import/Export Business Number. For taxes, register for GST/HST if you reach the threshold or choose to register voluntarily. If you have employees, you’ll need Payroll Deductions Registration. WorkSafeBC coverage is also part of the registration-and-compliance landscape, ensuring you meet provincial employer obligations.
Encouragement and next steps: Start by confirming the critical safety/recall framework and then move on to the licensing and registrations listed above. Gather the needed documents, set realistic timelines, and consider reaching out to CFIA/BC authorities or a compliance advisor to help map out the exact steps for Burnaby. With a clear plan, you’ll be on solid footing to launch and grow a compliant wholesale meat business.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a meat and meat product merchant wholesalers in Burnaby:
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Safe Food for Canadians License (Wholesale) RequiredWholesalers of food products must be licensed under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations and implement preventive controls for food safety. CFIA Safe Food for Canadians Licence for food wholesale/distribution. Interprovincial/export trade. Preventive control plan. Traceability requirements. Contact CFIA: 1-800-442-2342.
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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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