Glossary
What is SEBI Turnover Fee? Meaning, Example & Why It Matters
A very small regulatory fee charged on trade turnover to fund the market regulator, SEBI.
The SEBI turnover fee is a regulatory charge collected on the value of your trades. It helps fund the Securities and Exchange Board of India, the regulator that oversees brokers, exchanges and listed companies. The fee is calculated on turnover and is tiny relative to trade size, so it rarely moves the needle for most investors.
Why SEBI Turnover Fee matters to you
Even though it is small, it appears on every contract note, and GST is applied on top. It is a statutory charge, so it is the same no matter which broker you use. For very active traders with large turnover, the total over a year can be noticeable, but it is still usually one of the smallest lines on the bill.
It is worth knowing about mainly so you can read your contract note with confidence. When your total charges look higher than brokerage alone, it is because of several small statutory charges like this one stacking up together, not necessarily because your broker is overcharging.
Practical tip: if you are building a spreadsheet to track trading costs, add a column for SEBI fees rather than ignoring them. Rates change; check the latest SEBI or exchange circular for the current figure.
See it in rupees: every charge and tax on a real trade, at every broker. Open the brokerage calculator
Related terms
- GlossaryExchange Transaction Charges
Fees charged by stock exchanges like NSE and BSE on the value of trades executed on their platform.
- GlossarySTT (Securities Transaction Tax)
A tax collected by the government on the value of securities you buy or sell on a recognised stock exchange.
- GlossaryStamp Duty
A statutory charge levied on the buy side of securities transactions, collected through your broker.
- GlossaryContract Note
A legal document your broker sends after each trading day listing every trade, its price and all charges.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay the SEBI fee on every trade?
Yes, it is charged on the turnover of your trades and shown on your contract note.
Is the SEBI fee different across brokers?
No. It is a statutory fee, so it is the same regardless of broker.
Is GST charged on the SEBI fee?
Yes, GST is generally applied to the SEBI turnover fee.