Launch a Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesalers Business in Surrey
This page helps aspiring entrepreneurs learn how to start a Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesalers business (NAICS 423930) in Surrey. It offers a practical, step-by-step overview of what you need to do—from meeting the eight requirements to applying for permits, calculating startup costs, and mapping a realistic timeline. Along the way, you’ll find actionable tips on building supplier relationships, staying compliant, and moving from plan to your first order.
You’ll learn exactly what the eight requirements cover, which permits you may need from local and provincial authorities, and the typical costs to expect—plus a sensible timeline for getting licensed, setting up your operations, and opening for business. The guide also points out common obstacles and practical strategies to keep you on track from registration to launch.
Surrey’s growing industrial base, easy access to Vancouver’s logistics network, and a vibrant recycling ecosystem make it a strong place to launch a recyclable materials wholesale operation. With available space, nearby suppliers, and supportive local partners, Surrey helps you start efficiently and scale confidently.
Requirements Overview
Product Safety and Recall Obligations are the most critical requirement for operating a recyclable material merchant wholesaler in Surrey, BC. This is a legal requirement you cannot operate without, and it means you must understand and follow safety standards for products, have a clear recall plan, and keep records to prove compliance. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, business disruption, or barriers to selling certain materials.
Next come the mandatory operational requirements that keep people safe and your business compliant day-to-day. Focus on health and safety by securing WorkSafeBC coverage for your workers and maintaining a solid health-and-safety program. You’ll also need the local Surrey business licence and any site-specific permits that apply to storage, handling, or processing recyclable materials. Grouping these together helps you keep a safe workplace and stay on the right side of municipal rules.
On the registration and tax side, you’ll want to line up the essential numbers for your business. This includes registering a Business Number (BN) with the federal government, and registering your trade name with BC if you’re a sole proprietor or partnership. If your sales cross the GST/HST threshold, you’ll need GST/HST registration. If you hire employees, set up Payroll Deductions Registration. If you import or export goods, obtain an Import/Export Business Number.
With these basics in place, you’re well on your way. Start by checking Surrey’s licensing and zoning requirements, then work with an accountant or business advisor to set up your BN and tax accounts. Taking these steps now will give you a clear, practical path to launching your recyclable material wholesale business in Surrey with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a recyclable material merchant wholesalers in Surrey:
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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 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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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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