1. European Union Customs Union:
– Established for free movement of goods among EU member states.
– Eliminates customs duties and quotas within the union.
– Implements a common customs tariff for goods entering the EU.
– Harmonizes trade policies among EU countries.
– Facilitates trade by removing customs checks at internal borders.
2. Union Customs Code (UCC):
– Introduced in 2016 to modernize EU customs procedures.
– Aims to enhance security and streamline customs processes.
– Sets rules for customs valuation and classification of goods.
– Requires electronic submission of customs declarations.
– Provides guidelines for customs cooperation and enforcement.
3. Taric Database:
– Provides information on tariff rates by exporting country.
– Helps determine applicable tariffs for products.
– Includes user guides for easy navigation.
– Essential for importers and exporters within the EU.
– Improves transparency and predictability in trade transactions.
4. Cross-Border Crime and Enforcement:
– EU faces challenges in combating smuggling and cross-border crime.
– Significant revenue losses due to ineffective customs controls.
– Calls for stronger enforcement measures and cooperation.
– Proposals for a single body to coordinate anti-smuggling efforts.
– Highlighted as a priority area for customs and security improvements.
5. Non-EU Participants and Territories with Opt-Outs:
– Monaco and Akrotiri and Dhekelia are part of the EU’s customs territory.
– Territories like Büsingen am Hochrhein are part of other customs areas.
– Heligoland and Livigno have VAT-free status.
– Ceuta and Melilla in Africa also have VAT-free status.
– Historical opt-outs include Campione d’Italia and Lake Lugano.
The European Union Customs Union (EUCU), formally known as the Community Customs Union, is a customs union which consists of all the member states of the European Union (EU), Monaco, and the British Overseas Territory of Akrotiri and Dhekelia. Some detached territories of EU states do not participate in the customs union, usually as a result of their geographic separation. In addition to the EUCU, the EU is in customs unions with Andorra, San Marino and Turkey (with the exceptions of certain goods), through separate bilateral agreements.
European Union Customs Union | |
|---|---|
 Non-EU states which participate in the customs union, or are in bilateral customs unions with the EU | |
| Type | Customs union |
| Membership | 27 EU member states 5 states/territories with bilateral agreements |
| Establishment | 1968 |
| Area | |
• Total | 4,950,000 km2 (1,910,000 sq mi) |
| Population | |
• 2021 estimate |  518,000,000 |
| GDP (PPP) | 2021 estimate |
• Total | $16.1 trillion |
| GDP (nominal) | 2021 estimate |
• Total | $16.6 trillion |
There are no tariffs or non-tariff barriers to trade between the members of the customs union and – unlike a free-trade area – members of the customs union impose a common external tariff on all goods entering the union.
The European Commission negotiates for and on behalf of the Union as a whole in international trade deals, rather than each member state negotiating individually. It also represents the Union in the World Trade Organization and any trade disputes mediated through it.
