Start Your Sporting and Recreational Goods and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers in Burnaby
This page walks you through starting a Sporting and Recreational Goods and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers business (NAICS 423910) in Burnaby. It’s a practical, friendly guide to licensing, registrations, permits, and startup costs, so you can plan with confidence. You’ll get a clear seven-step requirements overview to help you launch smoothly.
Seven practical requirements you’ll tackle: 1) decide your structure and register a BC name; 2) obtain a CRA Business Number and GST/HST registration (consider PST if needed in BC); 3) secure a Burnaby business license and confirm warehouse zoning; 4) arrange WorkSafeBC coverage; 5) get insurance (general liability, cargo, inventory); 6) open a business bank account and set up bookkeeping; 7) plan for import/export compliance and supplier contracts, plus signage or permits.
Costs and timelines to expect: Costs vary—from a few thousand dollars for registrations and insurance to space and initial inventory. Typical timelines run 4–8 weeks for licenses and registrations, with some permits taking 6–12 weeks. Burnaby’s location offers easy access to suppliers, customers, and ports, helping your wholesale business grow quickly.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you cannot bypass: all sporting and recreational goods you wholesale must meet applicable safety standards and you must have a plan for recalls if a product becomes unsafe. Non-compliance can lead to fines, recalls, or liability, so treat this as non-negotiable.
Beyond safety obligations, there are mandatory operational requirements that keep your workers and customers safe and compliant. Health and safety laws require WorkSafeBC coverage and registration for your workforce, including proper training and incident reporting. If you hire staff, you’ll also need to manage payroll deductions with the federal government. If your wholesale business involves importing or exporting goods, you’ll need to handle related permits and customs compliance to stay on the right side of border rules.
On the business side, you’ll need to set up your basic registrations and tax numbers. In BC that starts with a Business Number (BN) registration and, if you operate as a sole proprietor or partnership, BC Business Name Registration. You may also need GST/HST registration if your revenue crosses the threshold. If you plan to import or export, apply for an Import/Export Business Number, and if you have employees, arrange Payroll Deductions registration.
Next steps: map out your compliance plan with the BC and federal programs, then tackle each requirement in order. Start with product safety and recalls, then complete your business registrations in BC, and set up the necessary tax accounts. With a clear, phased plan and the right registrations, you’ll be well-positioned to grow your sporting goods wholesale business in Burnaby.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a sporting and recreational goods and supplies 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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