Launch Your Surrey-Based Other Commercial Equipment Merchant Wholesalers Business
This page gives a clear, practical roadmap to launching an Other Commercial Equipment Merchant Wholesalers business in Surrey. Learn the eight essential steps, from business setup to licenses and permits, and what you need to start selling to local businesses. We'll cover permits, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline so you can plan confidently.
What you'll learn: the eight practical requirements you’ll complete to legally operate in Surrey under NAICS 423440, how to register your business, get a BN and GST/HST number, secure a Surrey business license, and set up accounting and insurance. We'll break down potential permits or compliance needs for equipment handling, estimate startup costs (licensing, inventory, insurance), and map out a realistic launch timeline so you know when you’ll be selling locally.
Why Surrey? The city’s growing commercial market, proximity to Vancouver, and supportive local resources make it a smart place to launch a wholesale equipment business. With the right steps in place, you can tap into thriving construction, maintenance, and facilities sectors.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Surrey is the Business Licence. This is issued by the City of Surrey and is legally required to run any commercial activity within the city limits. Without a valid business licence, you cannot legally open or operate your wholesaling business in Surrey, and renewals are typically annual. This is non-negotiable—obtain it before you do any trading or customer-facing work.
Beyond licensing, you’ll need to focus on mandatory operational requirements that keep your business compliant and safe. Health and safety come first, including Product Safety and Recall Obligations—ensuring the products you move meet safety standards and having a plan to address recalls if they arise. Pair this with WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration to provide workers’ compensation and implement a basic safety program. Keeping these protections in place protects your staff and reduces risk for your business.
On the business registration and tax front, prepare the core numbers that keep you compliant and capable of trading. BC Business Name Registration is needed if you’re not using your legal name for a sole proprietorship or partnership. You’ll also need a Business Number (BN) from the federal government for taxes, payroll, and any import/export activity; GST/HST Registration if your revenue reaches the threshold; an Import/Export Business Number for cross-border shipments; and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. These registrations streamline reporting, remittances, and supplier interactions.
Next steps: start with obtaining the Surrey Business Licence, then confirm your business structure and register the name if required. Launch the BN and name registration in parallel as you plan for GST/HST, payroll, and any import/export needs. If you’d like, I can map out a practical 60-day checklist tailored to your product lines and team size to keep you moving confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other commercial equipment merchant wholesalers in Surrey:
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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 Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey 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 Surrey 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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