Abstract
A large part of the purpose of the EU is the Single Market and Customs Union. This is essentially a free trade area in Europe, with no internal tariffs, and with common standards and regulations that serve to minimise non-tariff barriers to trade. Non-tariff barriers are practices and rules like restrictive government procurement procedures, state aid, product standards, consumer protection rules, health & safety rules, and other administrative requirements. Although these practices and rules could be motivated by a valid need, they are barriers to trade because they have the effect of excluding non-domestic firms from a particular market. The EU’s Customs Union involves the application of a common external tariff on all goods entering the European market. The EU is itself a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and as the EU is a single customs union with a single trade policy and tariff, the European Commission speaks for all EU member States at almost all WTO meetings.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Britain’s Decision |
Subtitle of host publication | Facts and Impartial Analysis for the EU Referendum on 23 June 2016 |
Pages | 90-94 |
Number of pages | 5 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 978-0-9932780-1-3 |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2016 |
Keywords
- EU referendum
- single market
- customs union
- free trade3
- internal tariffs
- non tariff barriers