The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has rejected a case brought by Airbnb against legislation in Belgium requiring the company to provide information to tax authorities.
Airbnb had argued that regional legislation obliging them to supply particulars of tourist transactions were in contravention of European Union law, in particular the EU directive on electronic commerce.
The court however ruled that requiring companies such as Airbnb that generate revenue by providing intermediary services to submit such financial information was permissible under current EU legislation.
The ECJ said in a statement that the ruling concluded that the requirements of the legislation wer excluded from the scope of the EU directive on electronic commerce because they were of a fiscal nature.
Airbnb acknowledged the ruling, passing no comment other than to say the case would now return to the Belgian Constitutional Court.
The case is a the latest of a string against the firm in jurisdictions around the world, as authorities fight back against an industry they believe to be destructive to local economies.
A number of cities have imposed bans or restrictions on Airbnb rentals, amid fears that local residents are being priced out of city centers by the increase in tourist rentals.
Airbnb has scored the occasional legal victory over the past few years, but on the whole has seen judgements go against them. As well as legal action from authorities, the company has faced a wave of lawsuits from disgruntled tourists and landlords alike.