Launch Burnaby Metal Service Centers and Wholesalers: A Practical Guide
This page is your practical starter kit for launching a Metal Service Centers and Other Metal Merchant Wholesalers business in Burnaby (NAICS 423510). You’ll find a clear, seven-step overview—from registration and licensing to zoning checks and permits—along with realistic cost ranges and a reliable timeline. Use these steps to turn metal sourcing and distribution ideas into a fully compliant, ready-to-operate operation in Burnaby.
Seven requirements in focus: 1) register your business (structure/name), 2) City of Burnaby business license, 3) GST/HST registration, 4) WorkSafeBC coverage and safety plan, 5) zoning verification and permits, 6) insurance coverage, 7) equipment readiness and staff training. We outline typical costs for licensing, facility setup, insurance, and equipment, plus a practical timeline from initial approvals to opening day. This Burnaby location offers strong industrial zoning, good logistics access, and a growing supplier network—ideal for metal service and wholesale operations. With the right plan, you can move from concept to customers within 3–6 months.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a metal service center or metal merchant wholesaler in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you cannot operate without. It means you must follow applicable product safety rules for the metals you stock and process, and have a plan to manage recalls if a safety issue arises. Keep clear records of product specs and safety labeling where required, and ensure your handling, storage, and processing meet the standards. This is non-negotiable.
Mandatory Operational Requirements cover health, safety and practical permits. Ensure workplace safety by obtaining WorkSafeBC coverage for all employees, providing training, and implementing risk controls and maintenance practices. Maintain safety programs for handling metals, safe storage, and equipment use. If you hire staff, set up payroll processes in compliance with deductions. If you ship or move goods across borders, be prepared for import/export requirements and related permitting.
Business Registration & Tax involves the essential numbers you need to operate smoothly. You’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency and, for a BC sole proprietorship or partnership, a BC Business Name registration. If you import or export, obtain an Import/Export Number. You’ll also register for GST/HST if you meet the threshold, and set up Payroll Deductions registration if you have employees.
Next steps and encouragement: start with the BN and BC name registrations, then check GST/HST thresholds and WorkSafeBC requirements. Build a simple compliance checklist covering product safety/recall, safety training, payroll, and imports/exports, and connect with a local business advisor or government resources to get you confidently launched and on the right track.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a metal service centers and other metal 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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