International Customs Day

What Is International Customs Day?

January 26 is International Customs Day. It marks the first Council Session held on January 26, 1953, with 17 founding Members, by the Customs Co-operation Council (CCC), the predecessor of the World Customs Organization (WCO).

The History of the World Customs Organization

The World Customs Organization is an independent intergovernmental body whose mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations.

• Established in 1952: The WCO was established in 1952 as the Customs Co-operation Council.
• January 26, 1953: The first Council Session was held with 17 founding Members.
• 1994: "World Customs Organization" was adopted as its working name.
• Today: The WCO represents 187 Customs administrations that collectively process approximately 98% of world trade.

The International Body for Customs

The WCO describes itself as the only international organization with competence in Customs matters and the voice of the international Customs community. Its membership, which began with 17 founding Members, has grown greatly over time.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Learn how packages pass through Customs when you travel abroad or shop online
• Check which items cannot be brought into the country or are subject to restrictions
• Look up this year's International Customs Day theme on the WCO website
• Find imported items around you and check which countries they came from

A Day to Recognize Customs, Which Supports World Trade

The imported goods we use every day and the packages we receive from abroad reach us after going through Customs procedures. On International Customs Day on January 26, take a moment to think about the work of Customs. Why not pay a little attention to your connections with other countries?