Start Your Burnaby Motor Vehicle Parts Wholesale Business
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchant Wholesalers business (NAICS 423120) in Burnaby. You’ll get a clear overview of the seven essential requirements to get up and running—from licensing to registration, permits to paperwork—along with a realistic sense of costs and a straightforward timeline. It’s designed to help you plan without guesswork, so you can move confidently from idea to operation.
In this guide you’ll learn the seven requirements and how they typically work in Burnaby: which licenses and municipal permits you’ll need, the right tax registrations (business number and GST/HST), insurance and workers’ compensation considerations, how to set up supplier accounts and payment terms, zoning and workspace requirements, and a practical view of upfront costs. You’ll also get a realistic timeline from kickoff to stocking your first products, plus tips to avoid delays.
Burnaby’s central location on the Vancouver Belt—easy highway access, proximity to ports, and a growing automotive sector—helps you reach customers fast and manage logistics smoothly.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a motor vehicle supplies and new parts merchant wholesaler business in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is legally required and you cannot operate without it. You’ll need to meet safety standards for the parts you sell, keep up with recall notices, promptly communicate recalls to customers, and maintain records of safety information and actions taken. This requirement is non-negotiable, so make it the foundation of your compliance plan from day one.
For operational health and safety, prioritize the basics that keep people and the business safe. You must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration and follow occupational safety rules for handling car parts, storage, and workplace practices. Develop simple safety procedures, provide training, and establish clear processes for reporting accidents or near-misses. A calm, well-documented safety program helps prevent injuries and keeps you in good standing with regulators.
On the business and tax side, set up the core registrations and numbers you’ll need to operate legally. You’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the federal government and, for a sole proprietorship or partnership, BC Business Name Registration. If you import or export goods, you’ll also want an Import/Export Business Number. For tax purposes, register for GST/HST and, if you have employees, Payroll Deductions Registration. These registrations and numbers are essential to bill correctly, remit taxes, and comply with regulatory requirements.
If you’re ready to move forward, start with the critical product-safety obligations, then secure WorkSafeBC coverage, and complete the registrations in a practical order. Consider reaching out to local resources such as Small Business BC for guidance, and create a simple action plan with clear milestones to keep you on track. You’ve got this—take it one practical step at a time.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a motor vehicle supplies and new parts 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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