Launch Your Ophthalmic Goods Merchant Wholesalers Business in Burnaby
This page maps out a practical, friendly path to starting an Ophthalmic Goods Merchant Wholesalers business in Burnaby (NAICS 423460). You’ll get a clear overview of the seven requirements, the permits and registrations you’ll need, and the step-by-step process to get your doors open. It highlights costs to expect, typical timelines, and the essential paperwork so you can plan confidently.
From here, you’ll learn exactly what to apply for (business registration, a BC business license, tax accounts, and any industry-specific permits), where to file, and who to contact. We cover the costs you’ll likely see (registration fees, licenses, insurance) and a realistic timeline—from initial setup to compliance—so you can budget and schedule your launch.
Burnaby’s blend of solid logistics, health-care businesses, and proximity to Vancouver makes it a strong fit for ophthalmic distributors. You’ll benefit from a growing local market, robust supplier networks, and supportive services that help you move products smoothly.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating an ophthalmic goods merchant wholesaler in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This means you must ensure every product you source and sell meets safety standards, and you have a clear plan for recalling any item if a safety issue is found. This is a legal obligation, and you cannot legally operate without meeting these requirements—non-negotiable.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, permits. You’ll need to protect your staff by complying with WorkSafeBC coverage and registration. If you plan to import or export ophthalmic goods, you’ll also need the appropriate Import/Export numbers and related clearances to move products across borders. Keeping these safety and border-compliance steps in place helps protect workers and keeps shipments on track.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need the core government registrations to run legally. This includes obtaining a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, registering your BC Business Name if you’re operating under a name other than your own, and arranging GST/HST Registration if you meet the threshold. If you have employees, you’ll also set up Payroll Deductions Registration. Depending on your exact operations, there may be additional account needs, but these are the essentials to get you started.
Encouragement: Getting these steps lined up now will save time and prevent delays. Start with the safety obligations, then tackle the registrations in sequence. If you’d like, I can help you draft a simple Burnaby-focused checklist and point you to the exact provincial and federal resources to complete each item. You’ve got this—taking these steps now sets a solid, compliant foundation for your business.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a ophthalmic goods 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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