The common Customs Code stage of the customs union between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan came into effect July 6.

FORBES: Russia's Mounting Influence In Belarus And Kazakhstan

It still lacks a common internal customs code, for example, and many imports still require licences.

ECONOMIST: Mercosur’s malaise | The

But on some matters, a humane accommodation of Muslim customs is increasingly common.

ECONOMIST: Muslims and city politics

NAFTA's complex rules of origin, moving instead towards a customs union with common tariffs on goods from other countries (to be set at the lowest level of any of the three).

ECONOMIST: North America

This authority supersedes common readings of the Constitution, the law and the customs of governance in America.

NPR: Justifications More Troubling Than Spying Itself

Mercosur has not managed to keep a common front in trade talks with outsiders, as a customs union is supposed to do.

ECONOMIST: Another blow to Mercosur

Earlier this year, to Argentine irritation, Brazil cut its own trade deal with the Andean countries, even though Mercosur is nominally a customs union, and thus supposed to have a common foreign-trade policy.

ECONOMIST: Sour Mercosur

As the President and First Lady look forward to hosting the traditional Hanukkah celebration at the White House tonight, we remember that Hanukkah is not only a time to celebrate the faith and customs of the Jewish people, but for people of all faiths to celebrate the common aspirations we share and to give thanks for the blessings we enjoy.

WHITEHOUSE: Our Top Stories

The disarray of the customs union has gone hand-in-hand with a lack of progress in deepening Mercosur by achieving common policies towards trade among members.

ECONOMIST: Another blow to Mercosur