Supervisory Fee

A potential charge or levy that supervisory authorities might impose on organizations to fund data protection oversight activities, though not commonly implemented under GDPR. While GDPR Article 57(1)(e) empowers supervisory authorities to charge fees, most EU member states fund their authorities through government budgets rather than direct charges to businesses. However, some authorities charge fees for specific services like: reviewing Binding Corporate Rules applications, providing consultations, processing complaints, or conducting audits. The UK ICO historically charged annual 'data protection fees' to controllers based on organization size and turnover, though this changed with transition out of the EU regulatory framework. Organizations should: verify whether their relevant supervisory authorities charge fees, budget for any applicable charges, understand what triggers fee obligations, pay fees timely to avoid penalties, and maintain records of fee payments. Supervisory fees, where they exist, are typically modest compared to potential fine exposure, making them a minor compliance cost consideration.