Launch a Packaging and Labeling Services Business in Burnaby
This page helps you start a packaging and labeling services business in Burnaby (NAICS 561910). It gives you a practical plan, including a requirements overview, the permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from concept to launch. You’ll learn what it takes to legally operate a packaging and labeling shop that handles product labeling, barcodes, and compliance labeling for clients.
Key learnings include the exact 5 requirements you must meet to operate in Burnaby, how to apply for local permits, and what licenses apply to a service business in this field. We’ll map out modest upfront costs—equipment, insurance, business registrations—and outline a step-by-step timeline so you can file on time and stay compliant as you scale.
Burnaby’s proximity to Vancouver's thriving consumer goods scene and solid logistics network makes it a smart base for packaging and labeling services. Great access to suppliers, clients, and business support can speed your growth.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a packaging and labeling services business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a legal must-have from the Canada Revenue Agency, and you cannot legally run your business or issue invoices without it. A BN is how the government identifies your company for taxes, payroll, and other programs, so secure it before you start taking on clients or paying staff. There’s no workaround—non-negotiable and essential to operate.
Mandatory operational requirements focus on health and safety and regulatory compliance. Ensure your workers are protected by WorkSafeBC coverage and registration, and follow provincial health and safety rules for a workplace that handles packaging materials and labeling equipment. Plan for basic safety practices, training, and first-aid readiness, and check Burnaby’s local permits or licensing you may need for a packaging facility.
On the registration and tax front, you’ll also want BC Business Name Registration if you plan to operate under a name other than your own, in addition to your BN. Consider GST/HST registration if your revenue or taxable sales meet the threshold, and payroll deductions registration if you hire employees. These registrations keep your business compliant and allow you to collect and remit taxes properly.
Next steps: confirm your BN with the CRA, register your business name with BC if needed, and set up GST/HST and payroll registrations as appropriate. Arrange WorkSafeBC coverage, establish a simple safety policy, and create a realistic action plan. With these steps in place, you’ll be positioned to launch confidently and grow responsibly.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a packaging and labeling services in Burnaby:
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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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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.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your packaging and labeling services:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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