Launch a Victoria Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchant Wholesalers
This page helps you plan and launch a Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchant Wholesalers business in Victoria (NAICS 423120). It breaks down the eight requirements you’ll need, from registrations to permits, with practical checklists, beginner-friendly guidance, and a realistic path to market. Use this as your starter kit for moving from idea to inventory and customers.
What you’ll learn: a clear overview of the eight requirements, the permits and licenses to secure (business license, provincial approvals, GST/HST registration where applicable, and any import/export considerations). We’ll also cover typical costs (registration and filing fees, insurance, storefront or warehouse setup, initial inventory) and a practical timeline that shows when to apply, when fees are due, and how long until you’re ready to open and start ordering parts.
Victoria’s mix of local suppliers, automotive networks, and a supportive business climate makes it a smart place to start. The city’s proximity to key markets and a steady demand for vehicle parts helps you hit the ground running.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a motor vehicle supplies and new parts merchant wholesaler in Victoria, BC is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legally required responsibility you cannot bypass: you must ensure the parts you sell meet safety standards, maintain proper records, and have a clear plan to handle any recalls. This requirement is non-negotiable—selling non-compliant or unsafe parts can trigger recalls, penalties, and the loss of your license.
Next come the mandatory operational requirements that keep your business running legally and safely. You’ll need to address health and safety for your staff, which means obtaining and maintaining WorkSafeBC coverage and registration. In addition, you’ll typically need a municipal business licence to operate in Victoria, and you should align your activities with any local permit or name-notice rules so you’re fully compliant from day one.
For Business Registration and Tax, plan to secure the core government numbers and registrations that keep your books and filings in order. This includes obtaining a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, registering your BC Business Name if you’re trading under a name other than your legal entity, and securing an Import/Export Business Number if you trade across borders. You’ll also handle GST/HST registration (as applicable) and, if you have employees, Payroll Deductions Registration.
If you’re ready to move forward, start with a quick assessment of your structure and local licensing. Then apply for the BN and business name registration, confirm your WorkSafeBC obligations, and set up GST/HST and payroll where needed. Take one step at a time, and you’ll build a solid, compliant foundation for your business in Victoria.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a motor vehicle supplies and new parts merchant wholesalers in Victoria:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Victoria. Apply to City of Victoria 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 Victoria Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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