Launch Your Burnaby: Other Professional Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers
This page offers a practical, friendly guide to launching an Other Professional Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers business in Burnaby. You’ll find a concise overview of the 7 startup requirements, the permits you may need, estimated costs, and a realistic timeline from setup to your first shipment. We’ll also point to common pitfalls and quick wins specific to Burnaby.
You’ll walk away with a clear view of the seven essential startup requirements for NAICS 423490, including registering your business, obtaining a CRA Business Number and GST/HST, municipal business license, provincial WorkSafeBC coverage, and any zoning or location permits. We’ll break down typical costs—registration, insurance, warehousing—and share a practical timeline so you know when you can start ordering inventory and serving customers.
Burnaby, BC’s central location in Metro Vancouver, strong logistics infrastructure, and good business incentives make it a smart fit for wholesale distributors of professional equipment and supplies, with easy access to Vancouver, the port, and growing local demand.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you cannot operate without. For a wholesale business dealing in professional equipment and supplies, you must have a solid process to ensure products meet safety standards and to manage recalls if a safety issue ever arises. Non-compliance isn’t just risky—it’s non-negotiable and can lead to fines, product bans, or a shutdown.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Beyond safety, your everyday operations must follow health and safety rules and permit-related duties. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration for any employees, plus the appropriate safety training and procedures. You’ll also need to maintain ongoing product safety compliance and have a clear recall plan in place. If you import items, plan for import/export processes and ensure you’re aligned with applicable regulatory obligations so your packages move smoothly and legally.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency. If you’re operating as a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership in BC, register your BC Business Name. For cross-border activity, an Import/Export Business Number may be required. Also plan for GST/HST Registration, and if you have employees, Payroll Deductions Registration. Staying on top of these numbers and filings will keep your operations compliant and ready for growth.
Next steps: Start by confirming and documenting your product safety and recall obligations, then set up your BN and BC trade name registration. Determine your import/export needs and whether GST/HST and payroll registrations apply to you. Consider a quick chat with a small business advisor or Burnaby’s business resources to map out timelines and next actions. You’ve got this—take it step by step and you’ll be compliant and ready to grow.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other professional equipment and supplies 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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