Which 1944 agreement created the Benelux Customs Union?

The London Customs Convention created the Benelux Customs Union in 1944. Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg signed the agreement while their governments were in exile during the Second World War.

The union removed customs barriers among the three countries and established a common external tariff. It became operational in 1948, making Benelux an important early example of postwar regional economic integration.

Benelux is sometimes confused with the European Economic Community or the European Union. It predates both: the European Economic Community was established by the 1957 Treaty of Rome, while the European Union was created by the 1992 Maastricht Treaty. Benelux cooperation later expanded beyond customs matters into broader economic and political coordination.