The French auction regulatory authority is seeking to close down eBay France for operating an online auction without a permit, according to IDG News Service. According to the article, the regulator expressed concern over consumer protection, the risk of tax evasion and the sale of counterfeit goods from companies operating auctions without permission.

eBay spokesperson Catherine England forwarded a statement to AuctionBytes on Monday about the issue:

The French Council of voluntary furniture sales by public auction today announced that it was filing a suit against eBay to appear in court. The suit is completely unjustified. eBay is not an auctioneer; rather, eBay and auctioneers pursue distinct activities, as stated by law, as we have regularly reminded the Council ever since eBay set up operations in France.

http://www.itworld.com/Tech/2403/071203ebayfrance