Start Your 424990 Wholesale Nondurable Goods Business in Burnaby
This page guides you through launching an Other Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods Merchant Wholesaler (NAICS 424990) in Burnaby. You’ll find a practical overview of the setup process, including the seven requirements you must meet, the licenses and permits you’ll need to operate, and the basic startup costs. We’ll also map out a realistic timeline to move from your idea to an active, compliant business.
What you’ll learn: a clear seven-item checklist covering registration, licensing, permits, and tax basics; how to get a Burnaby business license and complete BC corporate registration; GST/HST registration with the CRA and any import/export considerations; how to secure warehouse space, insurance, and required safety measures; and a realistic timeline and rough costs to plan your startup.
Why Burnaby works: This Metro Vancouver hub gives you quick access to suppliers, freight routes, and a growing network of buyers, helping you grow fast once you’ve met the seven requirements and secured your permits.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is legally required and you cannot operate without it. It is non-negotiable: you must have a clear, documented process to ensure the products you sell meet safety standards and a plan to manage any recalls or safety issues that come up. Set aside time and resources now to establish the safety checks, reporting steps, and customer notification procedures you’ll rely on every day.
Beyond safety, you’ll need to cover health, safety, and permits as part of your ordinary operations. This means protecting your staff and workplace by complying with WorkSafeBC requirements, maintaining safety policies, and training employees. If your business involves importing or exporting goods, be prepared for additional permits or registrations and build simple procedures to handle compliance so your team stays on top of safety and regulatory duties.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll want to set up the core numbers that let you legally run and file. In British Columbia, that starts with registering a BC Business Name if you’re operating as a sole proprietor or partnership, and obtaining a Business Number (BN) from the federal government for things like GST/HST, payroll deductions, and import/export activities. If you’ll import or export goods, you’ll also use the Import/Export Business Number. Getting these registrations and numbers in place is essential to stay compliant and on the right side of tax rules.
If you’re ready, take the next steps by listing your product safety plan, contacting WorkSafeBC for coverage, and starting the registrations: BC Business Name (if needed), BN with GST/HST and payroll components, and any import/export numbers. Consider chatting with a small-business advisor or an accountant to tailor the registrations to your exact operations. With a practical, step-by-step plan, you’ll be up and running smoothly and confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other miscellaneous nondurable 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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