eBay Regulatory Operating Fee: What Is It? (US/UK/CA)
Definition
The Regulatory Operating Fee is a non-refundable percentage fee charged on the total sale amount (including shipping and tax) to cover compliance and regulatory costs. This fee is separate from the Final Value Fee and varies by region: 0.35% in the US, 0.42% in the UK (including VAT), and 0.4% in Canada.
How It Works
Scope: This guide defines the Regulatory Operating Fee applied in US, UK, and CA regions only. Last updated: 2026-01-05. Rule: This is a non-refundable percentage fee added to the total sale amount to cover compliance costs, calculated per transaction.
The Regulatory Operating Fee is calculated on the total transaction amount. It's typically included in the Final Value Fee rates shown (e.g., 13.6% US rate includes 13.25% + 0.35%), but it's a separate charge that covers eBay's compliance with various regulations.
| Region | Regulatory Operating Fee Rate | Included in Base Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | 0.35% | Yes (e.g., 13.6% = 13.25% + 0.35%) | Applied to total sale amount |
| UK | 0.42% | No (separate charge) | Includes VAT, applied to total sale amount |
| CA | 0.4% | Yes (e.g., 13.65% = 13.25% + 0.4%) | Applied to total sale amount |
The fee is non-refundable and applies regardless of whether the transaction is completed, refunded, or cancelled. It's calculated on the total sale amount, not just the item price.
Examples
Example 1: US Sale - Regulatory Fee Included
- Item sold: $100
- Shipping: $10
- Sales tax: $8
- Total: $118
- Final Value Fee (13.6% includes 0.35% regulatory): $16.05
- Regulatory portion: $0.41 (0.35% of $118)
Example 2: UK Sale - Regulatory Fee Separate
- Item sold: £100
- Shipping: £10
- Total: £110
- Final Value Fee (12.8%): £14.08
- Regulatory Fee (0.42%): £0.46
- Total fees: £14.54
Example 3: CA Sale - Regulatory Fee Included
- Item sold: $100 CAD
- Shipping: $10
- Sales tax: $13
- Total: $123
- Final Value Fee (13.65% includes 0.4% regulatory): $16.79
- Regulatory portion: $0.49 (0.4% of $123)
For more information, visit the FeeWise hub or read our eBay US selling fees guide.
FAQ
Q: What is the Regulatory Operating Fee?
A: It's a percentage fee charged on the total sale amount to cover eBay's compliance costs with various regulations. Rates vary by region: 0.35% US, 0.42% UK, 0.4% CA. This guide covers US, UK, and CA only.
Q: Is it included in the Final Value Fee rate?
A: In the US and Canada, yes—the rates shown (e.g., 13.6% US) include the regulatory fee. In the UK, it's a separate charge added to the Final Value Fee.
Q: Is the fee refundable?
A: No, the Regulatory Operating Fee is non-refundable, even if the transaction is cancelled or refunded.
Q: Does it apply to all categories?
A: Yes, the Regulatory Operating Fee applies to all categories and all transactions, regardless of category-specific Final Value Fee rates.
Q: Can I avoid paying this fee?
A: No, the Regulatory Operating Fee is mandatory for all sellers in regions where it applies. It cannot be waived or discounted.
Download
Calculate your exact fees including Regulatory Operating Fees with FeeWise: eBay Profit Calc 2026. Get accurate calculations for US, UK, and CA listings with all regulatory fees included.