Prussian-Hessian Customs Union

After the end of the Napoleonic Wars, efforts began at various levels to remove toll and trade barriers within the new German Confederation.

[1] With this law, the government began systematically encouraging smaller states in the area of Prussia to join the system.

In retrospect, this agreement was significant as Prussia's first extension of its influence south of the Mainlinie and because it created an economic bridge between the two parts of the Kingdom which had previously remained separate.

"[5] All customs barriers between the two states were removed, with the exception of salt, playing cards, brandy, beer, vinegar, tobacco, and wine.

As a result of the enclave treaties, Schwarzburg-Sondershausen and some smaller exclaves of other countries also belonged to the customs union.

In July 1828, Anhalt-Dessau and Anhalt-Köthen joined the Prussian tax and toll system, thus bringing them into the customs union.