Launch Your London Petroleum Bulk Stations and Terminals Today
This page gives you a practical, step-by-step path to starting a Petroleum Bulk Stations and Terminals (NAICS 424710) in London, Ontario. You’ll find a clear overview of the 15 regulatory requirements you’ll need to meet, plus the permits and licenses required to operate. From siting and environmental reviews to fire safety planning and ongoing reporting, this guide lays out the actions needed to get your bulk fuel operation off the ground.
You’ll learn what to expect in terms costs and timeline. We break down typical categories—engineering and design, construction, regulatory fees, insurance, and ongoing compliance—and offer a realistic range to help you budget. The page outlines the permits you’ll apply for at federal, provincial, and municipal levels, when to apply, and how to align your project with environmental, safety, and security standards. You’ll also get a simple sequence: site selection, permits, design, build, test, and start-up, with milestones to track.
London’s strategic location in Southwestern Ontario makes it a smart base for a Petroleum Bulk Stations and Terminals operation. It offers strong logistics links, access to energy markets, and a growing industrial ecosystem, all within a supportive regulatory environment. With proper planning, the 15 requirements can translate into a streamlined path from concept to safe, compliant, ready-to-operate bulk fuel storage.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a petroleum bulk stations and terminals in London, Ontario is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement and you cannot operate without having processes in place to ensure product safety, manage recalls, and communicate swiftly with suppliers and customers if a safety issue arises. This requirement is non-negotiable, so prioritize putting proper recall plans, traceability, and safety communications in place before any other steps.
Mandatory operational requirements cover health, safety, and permits to keep people safe and operations compliant. The Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance is essential and non-negotiable, ensuring workers are trained, safe, and informed about hazards. You’ll also need Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) compliance, Hazardous Materials Storage Requirements, Waste Generator Registration, and Employment Standards Compliance to meet safety, environmental, and worker protections. To manage risk, secure Commercial General Liability Insurance and WSIB Registration and Coverage, which protect your business and your team if accidents or injuries occur.
Business registration and tax requirements help your company operate legally and transparently. You’ll typically need a Business Number (BN) Registration, a Business Licence, and Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario). You’ll also handle tax and payroll matters with GST/HST Registration, Payroll Deductions Registration, and, if you import or export goods, an Import/Export Business Number. Depending on your activities, you may also need a Vendor Permit for Retail Sales Tax Exemption.
Next steps: start by confirming the critical safety requirements with the appropriate regulatory bodies, then build a practical compliance plan. Gather the necessary registrations and licences, set up internal safety programs and training, and consider engaging a regulatory advisor or consultant to guide you through the filin
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a petroleum bulk stations and terminals in London:
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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 London. Apply to City of London 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 London Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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Waste Generator Registration RequiredBusinesses generating, storing, or shipping certain types of waste must register with the Ontario Ministry of Environment and maintain waste management documentation. RPRA replaced HWIN Jan 2023 for hazardous/liquid industrial waste registration. Subject wastes listed in O. Reg. 347. Electronic manifests via HazTrack. Generator registration required BEFORE first shipment. Small quantity generator exemptions (<5kg/month or <100kg stored). $5.50/tonne fee. EASR for some waste activities. Contact RPRA: 1-833-600-0530.
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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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Vendor Permit for Retail Sales Tax Exemption ConditionalRequired for retail sales. Wholesalers selling to other businesses for resale purposes should register as vendors and provide resale certificates. This allows business customers to purchase without paying HST when goods are for resale. Ontario uses HST (13%), no separate RST vendor permit. GST/HST registration via CRA if $30K+ revenue. Input Tax Credits available. Vendor permit concept relates to RST-era exemptions (pre-2010). Some exemptions via certificates (e.g., First Nations, farming). Contact CRA: 1-800-959-5525.
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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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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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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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Commercial General Liability Insurance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Wholesalers should maintain commercial general liability insurance covering product liability, premises liability, and completed operations. Often required by commercial leases and customer contracts. Ontario law requires general liability insurance for most businesses. Minimum typically $1M for small business, $2M+ for higher risk. Covers bodily injury, property damage, personal injury, advertising injury. WSIB also required for employees. Landlords, lenders may set higher requirements. Additional options: D&O, E&O, Cyber Liability. Cost: $500/yr to millions depending on risk. Contact insurance broker.
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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
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Hazardous Materials Storage Requirements ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Facilities storing hazardous materials must meet Ontario Fire Code requirements for storage, handling, and emergency planning. May require fire department approval and inspections. MECP regulates hazardous waste under EPA. Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) for storage >25L liquid or 25kg solid. WHMIS 2015 compliance required. Fire Code requirements for flammable storage. TSSA requirements for fuels. RPRA hazardous waste registry since Jan 2023. O. Reg. 347 waste management. Spill reporting. Contact MECP: 1-800-565-4923.
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