Launch a Surrey Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers Business Today
This page helps aspiring wholesalers start a Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers business in Surrey (NAICS 425120). It offers a clear overview of the six requirements you must meet, plus practical guidance on permits, registrations, and the costs to launch. From first steps to opening day, you’ll get a practical path to compliance and a realistic timeline you can follow.
In this guide you’ll learn exactly what you need: register your business, obtain a business number and GST/HST registration, file any required name or trade registrations, and secure essential insurance and supplier contracts. We’ll spell out the six requirements, plus cost ranges and a practical timeline—typically a few weeks to a couple of months in Surrey, depending on filings.
Why Surrey? The city’s growing wholesale and manufacturing activity, proximity to Metro Vancouver, and lower setup costs make it a strong launchpad for a 425120 business. It’s a gateway to regional suppliers and a growing network of buyers.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Surrey is the Business Number (BN) Registration. The BN is the federal identifier you get from the Canada Revenue Agency, and you’ll use it whenever you deal with tax authorities, government programs, and registrations. You cannot legally run a wholesale trading business without a BN, and there’s no workaround—this is non-negotiable.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: On an ongoing basis, you’ll need to cover health, safety, and permits. Start by securing a Surrey business licence to operate legally in the city. If you have employees or use contractors, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and maintain a safe workplace. For day-to-day compliance, plan for payroll activities as well—if you hire staff, you’ll need to manage payroll deductions with the appropriate tax authorities.
Business Registration & Tax: If you intend to use a business name beyond your own legal name, you must register the BC business name (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) with BC Registry Services. You’ll also need GST/HST registration if your yearly revenue crosses the threshold; note that British Columbia uses GST (federal) plus PST (provincial) rather than the HST framework. If you employ people, you’ll need to set up payroll deductions with the CRA and keep that up to date alongside your BN and other registrations.
Encouragement: Getting compliant is a straightforward, step-by-step process. Start with confirming your BN, then obtain the Surrey business licence, register your business name if needed, and set up GST/HST and payroll steps as your plans grow. If you’d like, I can tailor a simple 30‑day action checklist to fit your Surrey wholesale business and help you stay on track. You’ve got this—take the first step and keep moving.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a wholesale trade agents and brokers in Surrey:
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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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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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