What is the pan-Europe customs area that the EU is open to the UK joining?

A view of stacked containers at the Port of Felixstowe in Suffolk Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA

The EU trade commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič, has said Brussels is open to British membership of a pan-European customs area as part of “reset” discussions between the UK and the bloc.

Šefčovič, who is responsible for post-Brexit relations for the EU, told the BBC that allowing the UK to join the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean convention (PEM) was “something we could consider”.