Launch Your Burnaby Poultry and Poultry Product Wholesaler Business Now
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a Poultry and Poultry Product Merchant Wholesalers business (NAICS 424440) in Burnaby. You’ll find an 8‑requirement checklist, plus a transparent overview of the permits, licenses, and registrations commonly needed for wholesale poultry in Burnaby and British Columbia. We also spell out typical startup costs and a realistic timeline so you can plan confidently.
What you’ll learn: how to complete the 8 requirements, which permits and approvals to secure from Burnaby and provincial authorities, and what startup costs to expect (licensing, insurance, facility setup, equipment). We’ll map out a practical timeline from incorporation to first wholesale order and share tips for sourcing poultry products, establishing wholesale accounts, and staying compliant with food-safety and labeling rules.
Burnaby sits at the heart of Metro Vancouver, offering excellent logistics, supplier networks, and easy access to markets—a smart fit for a growing poultry wholesale business. Plus, Burnaby's business ecosystem and supportive services help you launch faster.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a poultry and poultry product merchant wholesalers business in Burnaby is the Safe Food for Canadians License (Wholesale). This license is legally required to wholesale food in Canada, and you cannot operate without it. It ensures safety and traceability from farm to table; failing to obtain or maintain it can halt your business. It is non-negotiable.
Mandatory operational requirements include health and safety duties such as Product Safety and Recall Obligations and WorkSafeBC coverage. You must have strong safety controls, keep proper records, and be prepared to recall products if issues arise. You’ll also need a safe, compliant workplace and registration with WorkSafeBC to protect staff and comply with the rules.
Business registration and tax essentials include obtaining a Business Number (BN) from the federal government and, for a sole proprietorship or partnership in BC, registering a BC business name. If you import or export, you’ll need an Import/Export Business Number. You’ll likely also register for GST/HST and set up Payroll Deductions if you have employees.
Next steps: start by applying for the SFCR license, then secure your BN and BC name, set up tax accounts, and arrange WorkSafeBC coverage. Build simple safety and recall procedures and a practical compliance calendar. If you want, I can tailor a step-by-step checklist and timeline for your operation. Taking it step by step now will reduce risk and keep you compliant.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a poultry and poultry product merchant wholesalers in Burnaby:
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Safe Food for Canadians License (Wholesale) RequiredWholesalers of food products must be licensed under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations and implement preventive controls for food safety. CFIA Safe Food for Canadians Licence for food wholesale/distribution. Interprovincial/export trade. Preventive control plan. Traceability requirements. Contact CFIA: 1-800-442-2342.
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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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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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