The government has survived an attempt by pro-EU Conservative MPs to change its post-Brexit trade strategy.
The MPs wanted the UK to join a customs union if it does not agree a free-trade deal with the EU.
But the government, which says being part of a customs union will prevent it from striking international trade deals, won the vote by 307 to 301.
It did, however, lose a separate vote on its Trade Bill on the regulation of medicines after Brexit.
MPs backed an amendment that would keep the UK in the European medicines regulatory network.