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BC Cosmetic Business Licence Guide for Indie Makers

Provincial business registration in British Columbia, GST and PST, and where Health Canada cosmetic notification fits alongside your local licensing.

Last reviewed April 27, 2026

BC business registration and Health Canada cosmetic notification are two separate responsibilities. Both are usually needed before launch, and they sit in different government systems with different timelines and contacts.

What FormulaNorth covers — and what it doesn't

Selling at a market is local. Cosmetic notification, ingredient review, and label preparation are Canada-wide responsibilities. FormulaNorth helps with the cosmetic formulation, label, costing, and CNF preparation side. Local vendor permits, business licensing, provincial taxes, and insurance are handled by the maker through the relevant municipal, provincial, or insurance partner.

Use this page as a starting checklist for the local side, and use the CNF guide, labelling guide, and readiness checker for the cosmetic side.

BC business registration basics

BC indie cosmetic makers typically operate as sole proprietorships or BC-incorporated companies. Sole proprietorships register a business name through OneStop Business Registry; incorporation is through BC Registries.

  • Pick a business structure (sole prop, partnership, BC corporation)
  • Register a name through OneStop or BC Registries
  • Get a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number
  • Open a business bank account for clean bookkeeping

GST and PST

Once you cross the federal small supplier threshold, GST registration with the CRA is generally required. BC PST may apply depending on the cosmetic category and how the product is sold. Confirm with the BC Ministry of Finance for your specific product.

Municipal business licensing

Most BC municipalities require a business licence to operate within city limits, including for home-based businesses. The application form usually asks about operating address, business activity, and whether you receive customers at home. Some cities also have inter-municipal licences that cover regional vendor activity at markets.

Where Health Canada cosmetic notification fits in

Cosmetic Notification Form filing is a federal responsibility and is separate from BC business registration and municipal licensing. Provincial registration does not satisfy federal cosmetic notification, and federal notification does not replace your municipal licence.

Regulatory disclaimer

FormulaNorth helps organize cosmetic formulation, label, costing, and CNF preparation information. It is not legal or regulatory advice and does not replace Health Canada guidance, professional regulatory review, or the maker's responsibility to verify product compliance before sale.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to register a BC business to sell cosmetics?

If you are operating commercially in BC, you generally register a sole proprietorship or incorporate. Federal cosmetic notification is separate and does not register you as a business in BC.

Is PST collected on cosmetics in BC?

PST applicability depends on the product category and how the product is sold. Confirm with the BC Ministry of Finance for your specific case.

Do I need a separate licence for each market I sell at?

Some BC municipalities have inter-municipal vendor licences that cover regional markets. Others require a per-municipality licence. Check with each city or town where you plan to sell.

Does FormulaNorth handle business registration?

No. FormulaNorth is the workspace for the cosmetic side — formulation, labels, costing, and CNF preparation. Business registration is handled by the maker through OneStop or BC Registries.

Related on FormulaNorth

Federal cosmetic responsibilities, separate from BC licensing

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BC Cosmetic Business Licence Guide for Indie Makers | FormulaNorth