Launch a Printing and Writing Paper Wholesale Business in Burnaby
This page lays out the seven essential requirements to start a Printing and Writing Paper Merchant Wholesaler (NAICS 424110) in Burnaby. You’ll get a practical overview of the requirements, the permits you’ll typically need (business license, zoning/occupancy, fire safety), key registrations (Business Number, GST/HST), and a clear, realistic timeline to get your first shipment out. It’s designed to be a straightforward, action-focused plan you can follow.
What you’ll learn here is a practical, step-by-step path to launching your wholesale paper business. Understand the Burnaby licensing process, identify the right warehouse or industrial space, and line up reliable paper suppliers and favorable terms. We’ll cover insurance, WorkSafeBC coverage, taxes, and ongoing compliance, plus a starter budget and a realistic 4–12 week path from setup to first order.
Burnaby’s location makes this a smart fit for a paper wholesaler. With strong industrial zones, good access to roads and the port, and a growing demand for printing and writing paper products in offices and schools, this city supports steady growth for a 424110 wholesale operation.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a printing and writing paper merchant wholesaler in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This means you must ensure all products meet safety standards and be prepared to act quickly if a safety issue arises. You cannot legally sell products that fail safety rules, and neglecting recalls or proper record-keeping can bring penalties and harm your reputation. This obligation is non-negotiable and forms the foundation of a compliant, trustworthy business.
Beyond safety, you’ll handle health and safety for staff and the practical permits needed to move goods. Put simply: group the ongoing obligations for operations. If you import or export, you’ll need an Import/Export Business Number. For sales, register for GST/HST if you reach the threshold or plan to. If you have employees, you must set up Payroll Deductions Registration. And you’ll need WorkSafeBC coverage to protect workers and follow workplace safety rules.
For the legal side, you’ll set up the core registrations and tax accounts. This includes a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) for your company, and BC Business Name Registration if you operate under a name as a sole proprietor or partnership. If you plan to import or export, secure an Import/Export Business Number. Register for GST/HST if required, and enroll for Payroll Deductions Registration and WorkSafeBC coverage so you’re prepared to hire and pay staff safely.
Starting next steps: create a simple plan and tackle registrations in stages. Check product safety requirements first, then open the government accounts (BN, BC name, GST/HST, payroll, WorkSafeBC). Set a realistic timeline, and consider a quick chat with a local adviser or use government resources. With these foundations in place, you’ll be ready to operate in Burnaby with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a printing and writing paper merchant wholesalers 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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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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