Free movement of goods

Free movement of goods is one of the EU internal market freedoms. It targets customs duties, charges with equivalent effect, quantitative restrictions and measures that unjustifiably hinder cross-border trade in products. Restrictions may be justified for recognised public interests, such as health, safety or consumer protection, if proportionate. Switzerland is outside the EU customs union, but goods trade is deeply affected by bilateral agreements, technical equivalence, conformity assessment, rules of origin and business decisions to meet EU product standards.