Launch a Surrey Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchant Wholesalers
Starting a Surrey Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchant Wholesalers business is within reach with a clear roadmap. This page offers a simple, step‑by‑step blueprint to launch, covering the 8 essential requirements, the permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline. You’ll discover the exact registrations to file, licensing steps, and how to set up for wholesale trade under NAICS 423120.
Key insights include the eight requirement categories you must meet, plus which permits and licenses apply in British Columbia and at the municipal level. We break down costs—from registrations and insurance to inventory and warehousing—and map out a practical timeline so you know when to expect approvals and when you can start onboarding suppliers and customers.
Why Surrey? Metro Vancouver’s thriving automotive ecosystem, strategic ports, and demand from local repair shops make Surrey a smart base for a motor vehicle parts wholesaler. The city offers competitive costs, business support, and a nearby supply chain network to help your business grow.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a motor vehicle supplies and new parts merchant wholesalers in Surrey is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is legally required and you cannot operate without it. You must ensure all products meet safety standards, carry proper labeling and documentation, and be prepared to act quickly on recalls or safety notices, with a clear process to trace and replace affected items. This non-negotiable requirement sets the foundation for every other step you take in this business.
Next, focus on mandatory operational requirements that keep the business running safely and legally. Grouped together, these cover health, safety, and permits: ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration so your employees are protected and compliant; obtain the appropriate Business Licence to operate in Surrey and meet any municipal rules; and complete the BC Business Name Registration if you’ll be operating under a name other than your own. These steps create the lawful operating environment inside which you can stock, sell, and service parts.
For business registration and taxes, there are several registrations to secure. You’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency; BC Business Name Registration if you’re a sole proprietor or partnership; an Import/Export Business Number if you move goods across borders; GST/HST registration based on your revenue and business activities; and Payroll Deductions registration if you have employees. These ensure you can properly collect and remit taxes, hire staff, and manage cross-border trade smoothly.
If you’d like, I can turn this into a simple checklist with links to the exact government pages and a suggested timeline. The path is straightforward: confirm safety obligations, line up the licences and registrations, and then build your compliant, tax-ready operation step by step. You’ve got this—start with the critical safety requirements and then tackle registrations in bite-sized
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a motor vehicle supplies and new parts merchant wholesalers in Surrey:
-
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.
-
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).
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Starting a business can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our AI-powered business matcher can help you understand exactly what you need for your specific situation.
Try Our AI Business Matcher Get Expert Help
No credit card required • Takes 2 minutes
Browse Other Business Sectors
Explore business requirements in other industries: