Launch Your Packing and Crating Business in Surrey Today
This page delivers a practical roadmap to starting a packing and crating business in Surrey (NAICS 488991). You’ll get a clear overview of the six requirements, plus what permits you may need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to go from idea to operation. Use the guide to plan your setup, budget wisely, and move forward with confidence.
Key things you'll learn include: a step-by-step plan to meet each of the six requirements, licensing and registration steps, necessary permits and zoning checks, equipment and safety standards, insurance and liability considerations, and a practical timeline with milestones. We also outline typical costs—equipment, workspace, permits, insurance, and ongoing fees—so you know what to budget and when to expect spend.
Surrey’s thriving logistics scene, access to major transport routes, and proximity to markets make it a strong fit for a packing and crating business. With the right permits, a solid setup, and a clear timeline, you can tap into a growing demand for secure packing, crating, and ship-ready services.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a packing and crating business in Surrey is Business Number (BN) Registration. This government-issued number from the Canada Revenue Agency is your doorway to tax accounts, payroll, and other programs, and you cannot legally operate without it. Securing a BN is non-negotiable and should be done before you start handling any sales, payroll, or invoicing.
Next comes the mandatory operational side: health, safety, and permits. You’ll need a Surrey Business Licence to operate within the city limits. If you hire staff, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration and put safety policies and training in place to protect your team. These steps keep your business compliant and help prevent penalties or disruptions to your day-to-day operations.
On the business registration and tax front, set up your BC business identity and accounts. If you plan to operate under a name other than your own, register your BC Business Name for a sole proprietorship or partnership. You’ll also determine GST/HST Registration based on your revenue and plans (even if optional at first, it becomes important as you grow and to claim input tax credits). If you have employees, you’ll need Payroll Deductions Registration to handle income tax, CPP, and EI.
Next steps: start with BN registration, then obtain your Surrey Business Licence and register your BC Business Name if needed. Review whether GST/HST and Payroll Deductions apply to your business model and set up Safety policies and WorkSafeBC coverage if you’ll employ people. If you’d like, I can map out a simple, concrete plan with timelines to get you compliant quickly.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a packing and crating in Surrey:
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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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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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