Start Your Burnaby Medical Equipment & Supplies Merchant Wholesaler Now
Ready to launch a Medical Equipment, Dental, and Hospital Supplies Merchant Wholesaler (NAICS 423450) in Burnaby? This page lays out the eight essential requirements and a practical path from idea to market. You’ll get a clear overview of the permits and registrations you’ll need at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels, plus typical startup costs and a realistic timeline. From registering your business and obtaining a CRA number to securing a Burnaby business license and planning initial inventory, you’ll find the core steps you must complete before your first shipment.
What you’ll learn: a practical, eight-step roadmap covering Health Canada compliance for medical devices, necessary liability and property insurance, supplier contracts, warehousing basics, and inventory controls. We’ll also outline a realistic timeline and share rough cost ranges for licensing, insurance, space, and initial stock so you can budget confidently as you move toward your first sale.
Burnaby’s healthcare network and logistics edge give you fast access to clinics, hospitals, and distributors, with supportive business resources to help you scale responsibly.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a medical, dental, and hospital equipment and supplies merchant wholesaler in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is legally required and you cannot operate without it. You must have clear processes to ensure every product meets safety standards, to manage recalls, to label items correctly, and to report safety issues promptly to the right authorities. Non-compliance can bring fines, product withdrawals, and real harm to patients—so treat this as non-negotiable.
Next are mandatory operational requirements focused on health and safety. Comply with BC Employment Standards Act for wages, hours, and leave. Secure WorkSafeBC coverage to protect workers and stay compliant with workplace safety rules. Depending on your imports, you may also need device-specific permits or approvals; build a simple, action-focused safety and compliance program into daily operations.
On business registration and taxes, you’ll need a Business Number (BN) to operate, and BC Business Name Registration if you choose a sole proprietorship or partnership. For cross-border activity you may need an Import/Export Business Number. You’ll likely register for GST/HST and for payroll deductions if you have staff. These numbers keep your finances transparent and allow you to collect and remit taxes properly.
Getting started is doable with a simple plan. Start with the product-safety basics and set up a practical compliance calendar. Then register your BN and BC name if needed, followed by the tax registrations and payroll setup. If you’d like, I can map out a 6-week action plan and point you to Burnaby resources to help you move forward confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a medical, dental, and hospital equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers in Burnaby:
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BC Employment Standards Act Compliance RequiredEmployer compliance with BC Employment Standards Act requirements for wages, hours, and working conditions BC Employment Standards Act sets minimum requirements for all employers. Minimum wage: $17.85/hour (effective June 1, 2025). Standard hours: 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week. Overtime: time-and-a-half after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. 5 paid sick days required. Vacation: 2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years. Contact Employment Standards Branch: 1-833-236-3700.
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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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