Launch Your Burnaby Petroleum and Petroleum Products Wholesale Business
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesaler (NAICS 424720) in Burnaby. You’ll get a clear eight-point requirements overview, the permits and licenses you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from registration to first shipment. It also points to local Burnaby resources to help you move faster and stay compliant.
Eight practical requirements you’ll navigate include: business registration; Burnaby business license; GST/HST registration; WorkSafeBC coverage; environmental permits and compliance; fire code and storage-tank inspections; liability and product insurance; and supplier credit arrangements. The page also breaks down related permits, typical fees, and a practical 2–6 month timeline to become fully operational.
Burnaby’s strategic location in Metro Vancouver puts you near major highways, ports, and a robust industrial base, making distribution smoother and more cost-effective. A supportive business climate, access to skilled logistics workers, and nearby service providers help you grow confidently while meeting safety and environmental rules that matter in this industry.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a petroleum and petroleum products merchant wholesaler in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you cannot ignore or operate without. It means having a clear plan for how products are tested for safety, how recalls are issued and communicated, and how you report safety issues to regulators and your suppliers. Treat this as non-negotiable from day one.
Mandatory operational requirements focus on health, safety, and proper permits. Ensure your staff are trained in safe handling of flammable liquids, have up-to-date procedures for spills, and maintain appropriate containment measures. You must also comply with Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) regulations for any transported items and maintain WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect your workers and meet provincial obligations. Align your processes so recalls, safety data sheets, and incident reporting are easy to manage.
Business Registration & Tax: You will need a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, plus BC-specific registrations. If you operate under a name other than your legal name, register a BC Business Name (for sole proprietorship or partnership). If you import or export goods, obtain the Import/Export Business Number. You'll also handle GST/HST registration, and if you have employees, Payroll Deductions Registration.
Next steps: start with confirming the product safety and recall obligations, then get registered and set up your tax numbers. Reach out to BC and CRA resources, or a regulatory advisor, to guide you through applications. With a clear plan and the right registrations in place, you’ll be on solid ground to launch your business in Burnaby.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a petroleum and petroleum products merchant wholesalers (except bulk stations and terminals) 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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Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Compliance ConditionalRequired for dangerous goods transport. Wholesalers handling or shipping dangerous goods must comply with TDG regulations, including proper classification, packaging, labeling, documentation, and emergency response information. Training required before handling dangerous goods - no federal license. Employer must provide/approve training. Certificate valid 3 years. Two components: general education + site-specific training. Employer issues formal TDG Certificate of Training after both components. Online courses available ($50-$150). Contact Transport Canada: 1-855-824-2020.
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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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