Launch Your Brampton Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers Business Today
This Brampton guide helps you start a Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers business (NAICS 425120) with confidence. It lays out a practical, step-by-step path—from eight startup requirements to permits, costs, and a realistic timeline—so you can move from idea to activity fast. Expect clear actions, friendly language, and real-world tips you can apply this week.
Across eight startup requirements, you’ll learn exactly what to do next: choose a business structure and formally register in Ontario; get a CRA Business Number and register for GST/HST if needed; secure a trade name; set up a business bank account; arrange essential coverage such as liability insurance; confirm any municipal licensing or zoning steps; register for WSIB if you hire; and draft reliable contracts and compliance practices for wholesale deals. We'll also outline typical costs (registration and name search, basic insurance, setup) and a realistic timeline (a few days to several weeks) so you can budget with confidence.
Brampton’s growing distribution networks, proximity to manufacturers, and diverse business community make it a smart base for wholesale trade brokers.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a wholesale trade agents and brokers in Brampton is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is a legal must, and you cannot operate without it. OHSA compliance means having a clear safety plan, proper worker training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. It’s non-negotiable—regulators can pause or shut down operations if you’re not meeting these standards. Start by documenting safety responsibilities and setting up simple, repeatable practices to protect your team.
For everyday operations, health and safety and related registrations go hand in hand. Ensure WSIB coverage so workplace injuries are covered and risks are mitigated. Stay aligned with OHSA requirements and maintain required records. You may also need Wholesale Agent and Broker Registration and Employment Standards compliance (wages, hours, and leaves) as part of running a compliant business.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need a Business Number (BN) with the CRA, and Ontario Business Name Registration through ServiceOntario if you’re using a trade name. GST/HST registration is required if you hit the tax threshold or choose to register voluntarily. If you have employees, set up Payroll Deductions Registration. These numbers are essential for legal operation and proper tax and payroll handling.
Next steps: decide on your business structure, secure the necessary registrations, and build a simple compliance plan. Talk to a local advisor or check ServiceOntario and CRA resources to get started. With these foundations in place, you’ll be on a solid, practical path toward a compliant wholesale operation in Brampton.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a wholesale trade agents and brokers in Brampton:
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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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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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Wholesale Agent and Broker Registration RequiredWholesale agents and brokers must register, maintain proper records, comply with trade regulations, and meet bonding requirements for certain goods. No general wholesale license in Ontario. Industry-specific requirements apply: AGCO for liquor/cannabis wholesale, OMVIC for auto wholesale, TICO for travel wholesale. Business registration required. Municipal license may apply. Industry-specific regulations. Contact relevant regulatory body.
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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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