Start Your Office Equipment Wholesale Business in Burnaby
This page guides you through starting an office equipment wholesale business in Burnaby (NAICS 423420). It covers the seven practical requirements, from business registration and licensing to permits, costs, and a realistic timeline. It’s designed for entrepreneurs who want a clear, doable path—from first steps to inventory, supplier relationships, and first sales.
On this page you’ll learn the core steps: choose a legal structure, register your business, and secure a Burnaby municipal license; understand when GST/HST registration is needed; set up banking and accounting; find suitable warehousing or office space with proper zoning; get essential insurance and safety checks; and establish supplier contracts and logistics that keep cash flow steady. We call out typical costs and a practical timeline so you can plan confidently.
Burnaby’s proximity to Vancouver, solid logistics infrastructure, and a growing business community make it a smart base for a wholesale office equipment operation. Easy access to suppliers, major highways, and talent helps you grow efficiently.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a office equipment merchant wholesaler in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you cannot operate without, and you must have systems in place to ensure products meet safety standards and to run recalls if a safety issue is identified. Compliance isn’t optional—getting this right protects customers, your business, and your reputation, and it’s non-negotiable.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to safety obligations, you’ll need to stay on top of health and safety for staff and any permits or processes that apply to your business. In BC, that means securing WorkSafeBC coverage and registration if you have employees, maintaining appropriate safety training, incident reporting, and risk controls. Grouping related requirements helps you build a practical workflow: keep workers safe, handle equipment properly, and be prepared to act quickly if regulators issue a recall or safety notice.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll typically need a federal Business Number (BN) to handle taxes, payroll deductions, and GST/HST remittances. If you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, you should also register a BC Business Name. Depending on your activities, you may also need an Import/Export Business Number, GST/HST Registration, and Payroll Deductions Registration. These registrations ensure you file taxes correctly, pay employees, and legally import or export goods.
Next steps and encouragement: Start by prioritizing the Product Safety and Recall Obligations, then map out the associated health and safety and registration needs. Set up the key regulatory accounts (BN with CRA, BC Business Name, WorkSafeBC, and any import/export or tax registrations you’ll need), and create a simple compliance checklist with deadlines. With a clear plan, you’ll move confidently from planning to a smooth, compliant launch.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a office equipment 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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