The tariff protecting a free-trade area, e.g. the EUROPEAN COMMUNITY. Some countries outside the area may be permitted to have privileged access, e.g. those Third World countries allowed by the LOMÉ CONVENTION to export to European Community...

When a group of countries form a customs union they must introduce a common external tariff. The same customs duties, import quotas, preferences or other non-tariff barriers to trade apply to all goods entering the area, regardless of which country...