Start Your Surrey 423490 Equipment and Supplies Wholesale Business
This page gives a practical, step-by-step guide to starting an Other Professional Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers business (NAICS 423490) in Surrey. You'll find a concise requirements overview, from registration to licensing and permits, plus the core costs and a realistic timeline to move from planning to opening. It’s designed to be approachable, not overwhelming.
On this page you’ll learn exactly which 8 requirements you’ll complete to launch. Expect details on business registration, obtaining a business number, GST/HST registration, any local permits or zoning checks, insurance, supplier contracts, and basic startup costs. We’ll also outline a practical timeline—how long each step takes, common delays, and ways to stay on track.
Surrey’s growing business community, strong logistics links in Metro Vancouver, and access to diverse suppliers make it a smart fit for an equipment and supplies wholesaler. With 8 clear requirements to navigate, you’ll be well-placed to connect with customers and partners quickly, while keeping startup costs predictable.
Requirements Overview
Product Safety and Recall Obligations are a fundamental regulatory requirement for operating a professional equipment and supplies wholesaler in Surrey. These obligations ensure that the products you sell meet safety standards and that you have a clear plan to handle recalls if a safety issue ever arises. You cannot legally start or run your business without putting in place proper product safety checks, clear labeling, documentation, and a defined recall process. Treat this as non-negotiable groundwork for your operation.
Health, safety and permits also matter every day. In British Columbia, you’ll need WorkSafeBC coverage for all employees and a plan to support safe working conditions, training, and incident reporting. Depending on your exact activities, you may also need local permits or approvals from the City of Surrey and a valid business licence to operate in the area. Getting these safety and permit pieces in place protects staff, customers, and your business from avoidable risks.
Business Registration & Tax: you’ll handle these through the federal and provincial systems. Start with a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) and then add the appropriate program accounts. For import/export activity, you’ll need an Import/Export Business Number; for sales you’ll register GST/HST; for employees you’ll set up Payroll Deductions. If you’re using a trade name, you’ll also register a BC Business Name (for Sole Proprietorship or Partnership) and obtain a Surrey Business Licence if required. Organizing these now keeps taxes and compliance from piling up later.
Next steps: take a steady, practical approach and tackle each item one by one. Gather your business details, decide on your business name, and apply for a BN with the CRA. Then add GST/HST and payroll accounts, set up WorkSafeBC coverage, and secure the appropriate Surrey licences and name registration. If you’d like, I can map a simple, step-by-step checklist tailored to your exact plans to keep you movin
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other professional equipment and supplies 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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