Launch Your Toy and Hobby Wholesale Business in Burnaby, BC
This page is your practical starter guide to launching a Toy and Hobby Goods and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers operation in Burnaby (NAICS 423920). It breaks down the seven requirements, plus the permits and registrations you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to get your first orders moving. You'll also find a quick-start checklist and links to Burnaby's official resources to help you stay compliant from day one.
You’ll learn the seven requirements you’ll need to meet to start in Burnaby, such as business registration, a Burnaby business license, GST/HST registration, warehouse and insurance basics, supplier agreements, and toy-safety/import compliance. We’ll outline typical startup costs (licensing, insurance, storage, and initial inventory) and a practical timeline from setup to first shipment—usually 4–8 weeks. We’ll also point to common pitfalls and practical tips, like estimating storage space, setting minimum inventory levels, and negotiating favorable terms with suppliers.
Why Burnaby? This city combines a supportive business climate with easy access to Vancouver's vast markets, ports, and a robust logistics network. That means faster shipments, reliable suppliers, and more opportunities for your toy and hobby wholesale business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a toy and hobby goods and supplies merchant wholesaler in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legally required responsibility you cannot skirt: ensure every product meets safety standards, conduct or source appropriate testing, maintain clear labeling and usage warnings, and have a formal recall plan to quickly remove defective items and inform authorities and customers when needed. Non-compliance is not an option, so safety must come first in every purchasing, storage, and sales decision.
Beyond safety, you’ll need practical operational requirements to run the business smoothly. This includes health and safety in your warehouse and offices, with WorkSafeBC coverage for all employees and a basic safety program. Provide training on safe handling of toys, proper storage, and incident reporting, and keep your workspace compliant with local rules and any necessary permits for storage and shipping. A clear safety process helps protect staff and keeps your operations running without interruptions.
For the business side, you’ll need the right registrations and tax numbers. Start with a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) to handle taxes and payroll. If you’re a sole proprietor or partnership, register your BC business name. If you import or export goods, obtain an Import/Export Business Number as part of cross-border trade. You’ll also typically handle GST/HST registration and, if you have employees, Payroll Deductions registration. These registrations are essential for invoicing, reporting, and compliant operation.
You’ve got this! Start with a simple compliance checklist, line up the safety measures, and gather the documents for name and BN registrations. Then apply for the Import/Export number if needed, and set up GST/HST and payroll registrations as appropriate. If you’d like, I can map a concrete, step-by-step timeline tailored to Burnaby and your specific product mix.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a toy and hobby 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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