Launch Your Other Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers in Burnaby
This page shows you how to start an Other Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers business (NAICS 424690) in Burnaby. It’s a practical, step-by-step guide that highlights the eight key requirements you’ll need to meet, plus honest notes on permits, initial costs, and the typical timeline to become fully operational. Use the overview to map your path from idea to first shipment.
This guide also spells out what you’ll learn—eight concrete requirements, how to secure the Burnaby business license, and essential permits and inspections. You’ll get a realistic sense of the costs involved, typical start-up expenses, and a scheduler-friendly timeline so you can plan milestones, from registration to your first inbound order.
Burnaby’s strong industrial base and easy access to ports, rail, and customers across Metro Vancouver make it a smart home for wholesale chemicals. The city’s business-friendly vibe helps you scale quickly while staying compliant. It’s a great fit for startups aiming to serve manufacturers, distributors, and labs.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a chemical and allied products merchant wholesaler in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement, not a choice, and you cannot legally run the business without having systems to ensure product safety, proper labeling and packaging, and a clear plan for recalling products if a safety issue arises. Demonstrating strong product safety practices from the start helps protect customers and keeps regulators confident you’re compliant.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, and permits. When handling and shipping chemicals, you must follow Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) rules, including proper labeling, packaging, documentation, and staff training. In Burnaby, WorkSafeBC coverage is required, so you’ll need to register for workplace safety and maintain premiums for your employees. Ongoing safety programs, training, and recordkeeping support compliance and reduce risk for your team and customers.
Business Registration & Tax. To operate legally, you’ll need core business registrations and tax numbers. This includes obtaining a Business Number (BN) for your company and registering your BC business name if you’re a sole proprietor or partnership. If you plan to import or export, you may need an Import/Export Business Number tied to your BN. You’ll also need GST/HST registration to collect and remit sales tax, and, if you have employees, Payroll Deductions Registration for income tax, CPP contributions, and Employment Insurance.
Encouragement: Next steps are to map out a simple compliance plan and timeline. Check with BC and federal agencies for exact forms and fees, gather the needed documents, and consider consulting a business advisor to set up a solid, compliant foundation. With a clear action plan, you’ll move forward confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other chemical and allied products merchant wholesalers in Burnaby:
-
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).
-
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.
-
Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Compliance ConditionalRequired for dangerous goods transport. Wholesalers handling or shipping dangerous goods must comply with TDG regulations, including proper classification, packaging, labeling, documentation, and emergency response information. Training required before handling dangerous goods - no federal license. Employer must provide/approve training. Certificate valid 3 years. Two components: general education + site-specific training. Employer issues formal TDG Certificate of Training after both components. Online courses available ($50-$150). Contact Transport Canada: 1-855-824-2020.
-
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: