The EU 27 member states form a customs union: A common customs duties tariff is applied to imports from outside the EU. However, no customs duties are levied at the borders between EU countries.
Duties on goods from outside the EU are generally paid when the goods first enter the bloc. From then on, no more customs duties are due, and no more customs checks are conducted - all goods circulate freely within the EU.
The EU is one of the largest trading blocs in the world.
Share of the EU in world trade (import and export, 2020-24)
Eurostat
The EU is one of the largest trading blocs in the world, alongside the United States and China.
Main trading partners by imports (2024, Share of goods imports to the EU)
Eurostat
Main trading partners by exports (2024, Share of goods exports from the EU)
Eurostat