Launch an Other Commercial Equipment Merchant Wholesalers Business in Burnaby
Here you'll find a practical, step-by-step guide to starting an Other Commercial Equipment Merchant Wholesalers business in Burnaby. This page breaks down what you need to do, from choosing a business structure to setting up wholesale operations, with plain-language advice, realistic costs, and a clear timeline that helps you move from idea to launch with confidence.
Plan on meeting seven key requirements to get off the ground. You'll learn about: 1) registering your business, 2) obtaining a Business Number and GST/HST account, 3) Burnaby-related business license, 4) zoning and permits for storage and sales, 5) appropriate insurance, 6) banking and accounting setup, and 7) supplier contracts and wholesale compliance. We also cover typical startup costs—licensing, insurance, warehousing, and initial inventory—and provide a realistic timeline from registration to first sale.
Burnaby's mix of industrial zones, strong logistics links, and close proximity to Vancouver's market make it a smart base for wholesale equipment. This city-and-type pairing offers approachable permits, access to suppliers, and scalable growth as you expand your product lines.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. These obligations are legally required for anyone selling or distributing equipment, and you cannot legally operate without having systems in place to ensure products meet safety standards, to monitor issues, and to carry out recalls if needed. Establishing a robust safety compliance program from day one is non-negotiable and sets the foundation for every other license or registration you’ll need.
Beyond product safety, your ongoing operations must address health and safety and any necessary permits. In practice, this means securing WorkSafeBC coverage for your workers and maintaining appropriate safety programs and training. You should also stay aligned with product safety requirements—especially for the equipment you import and resell—so that recalls, safety notices, and quality controls are part of your day‑to‑day processes. Keeping these protections in place helps protect your staff, customers, and your business from avoidable risk.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll need the official identifiers to operate legally and file taxes. This includes registering for a federal Business Number (BN) and a BC Business Name Registration if you operate as a sole proprietor or partnership. If you plan to import or export goods, you’ll need an Import/Export Business Number. When your sales or payroll reach thresholds, you’ll register for GST/HST and set up Payroll Deductions with the Canada Revenue Agency so you can handle employee taxes properly.
You’re taking the right first steps by outlining these requirements. A practical next move is to start with safety compliance (talk to WorkSafeBC and outline your recall processes), then register the practical business numbers (BN and BC name), and finally handle the tax registrations (GST/HST and payroll). If you’d like, I can map out a simple, step-by-step checklist with links to the right government pages
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other commercial 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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