Launch Your Regulation of Agricultural Marketing and Commodities in London
This page helps you start a Regulation of Agricultural Marketing and Commodities business (NAICS 926140) in London, Ontario. It offers a practical, step‑by‑step overview of the 14 requirements you’ll need to meet, the permits you’ll likely need, and a realistic budget to move from planning to launch. You’ll also find a starter checklist and quick links to the agencies you’ll work with, so you know what to prepare from day one.
You’ll learn what each requirement covers, where to submit applications, typical fees, and the expected timeline for approvals. We break down costs into categories like licensing, testing, inspections, and local permit charges, and we offer a practical estimate for your first year of operation. Plus actionable checklists, tips to avoid common delays, and a road map that helps you move from document gathering to an operational launch.
London’s strong agricultural community and supportive government partners make this a smart place to launch. With nearby farming networks, access to local resources, and a clear regulatory path, you’ll navigate the process with confidence. The city’s business-friendly resources, access to talent, and growing agri-food sector can shorten timelines and reduce upfront costs.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in London is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is a legal obligation, and you cannot legally run an agricultural marketing and commodities operation without meeting OHSA requirements. It is non-negotiable and forms the foundation for safe workplaces, proper handling of products, and clear safety responsibilities for everyone involved.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to safety, you must meet ongoing operational rules that govern how you run things day to day. This includes compliance with employment standards and related duties, ethics and conflict-of-interest guidelines, privacy and access to information rules, and language obligations (including Official Languages Act and French Language Services Act where applicable). You should also ensure your workplace has WSIB coverage for workers. Grouping these together helps you build a compliant operating framework rather than chasing one-off requirements.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need to handle business registration and tax IDs. This includes Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario), obtaining a Business Number (BN) for federal tax and accounts, and securing a Business Licence as required by local authorities. If your activity involves taxable sales, register for GST/HST, and set up Payroll Deductions (CRA) if you have employees. Having these in place ensures you can legally bill, remit taxes, and compensate staff properly.
Encouragement: Take the next step by confirming the exact licensing and registration needs with the City of London and ServiceOntario, then set up a simple compliance plan with realistic timelines. Consider consulting a local regulatory advisor or business service center to tailor the steps to your specific agricultural marketing and commodities operation, and you’ll build a solid, legal foundation without getting overwhelmed.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a regulation of agricultural marketing and commodities in London:
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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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Public Service Employment Standards ConditionalRequired for public service employment. Government organizations must comply with public service employment standards, merit-based hiring, bilingualism requirements, and accountability frameworks. Public Service Employment Act compliance for federal government. Merit-based hiring. Official languages. Staffing processes. Contact PSC: 1-855-330-3310.
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Financial Administration Act Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government organizations must follow financial management rules, procurement policies, contracting standards, and audit requirements. Financial Administration Act compliance for federal contractors. Procurement rules. Payment terms. Audit requirements. Conflict of interest. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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Conflict of Interest and Ethics ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Public officials and government employees must comply with conflict of interest rules, ethics codes, disclosure requirements, and post-employment restrictions. Conflict of Interest Act for federal government appointees and public office holders. Disclosure requirements. Divestment. Post-employment restrictions. Contact Ethics Commissioner: 613-995-0721.
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Access to Information and Privacy ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government bodies must comply with access to information requests, privacy protection, records management, and transparency obligations. Access to Information and Privacy Act compliance for federal contractors. Records management. ATIP request handling. Privacy breach procedures. Training requirements. Designated coordinator. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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Official Languages Act Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Federal government institutions must provide services in English and French, comply with language-of-work rights, and implement bilingual communications. Official Languages Act compliance for federal institutions and contractors. Bilingual services. Language of work. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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French Language Services Act ConditionalRequired for French language services. Ontario government offices in designated areas must provide services in French and comply with French language service standards. French Language Services Act (FLSA) since 1989. Applies to provincial government agencies in designated areas. Active offer: 2023 regulation requires French from first contact without request. 315 cases handled Oct 2024-Sept 2025. Fire Code now in French (Jan 2026). Ministry updated 73 organizations in 2024-25. $800K invested in French SMEs. Exemptions: narrow/restrictive. Contact Office of Francophone Affairs.
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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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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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