International Customs Day

Date	26 January
Duration	One day
Observance	International
Celebrated in	Countries with customs administrations
Observing Communities	Customs officials, trade organizations, logistics officials
Type of Event	International / Awareness
Purpose of Event	To recognize the role of customs in trade and economic development
Holiday Status	No holiday is declared
First Observed in	1983

International Customs Day is an annually occurring event observed in honour of the role of customs officials and agencies for the smooth functioning of global trade, border protection, and supporting economic growth. The day highlights how custom helps secure the transportation of goods and resources across and within the country while abiding by the laws and international standards. This day also promotes cooperation between the authorities around the world and encourages improvements in customs efficiency and security.

How it started

It is celebrated every year on 26th of January, which commemorates the first session of the Customs Co‑operation Council (CCC) on 26 January 1953 in Brussels, Belgium. The CCC later became the World Customs Organization. The first International Customs Day, however, was observed in 1983. Customs administrators, agencies, traders, and some portion of the public observe this day with various events.

How it is celebrated in official organizations

Primarily, the countries involved in WCO ( countries like Nepal, India, Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, The United States, and many others ) hold major events in their trade cities. Events are also held in the WCO headquarters in Brussels. Tens of thousands of customs officers, staffs and professionals from around the world participate in training, seminars, webinars, and awareness activities. 

How institutions observe the day

International Customs Day started as a way to celebrate customs operations, but now, it has grown into a worldwide observance including themes, training events, public engagement, and international collaboration.
        Nowadays, it is also prevailing in educational institutions to make students realize the dedication the customs officers put in. On this day, schools are often found to be running awareness activities, creative competitions, rallies, talks, etc., which help the students and community people understand how various officers contribute to the upbringing of society. 

Significance in the communal aspect

This day mainly matters to the customs professionals and communities involved in the import-export sector. There aren’t any cultural or traditional rituals connected to this day, as it is just an observance.
    Anyway, award ceremonies and recognition ceremonies are conducted by the official organizations in respect to the workers and staff all the way from deeproot societal level to the higher official level. In some countries, special awards, exhibitions, or public demonstrations of customs workflows are organized to showcase the role of customs. It raises public awareness about the customs, duties, goods transportation and flow, border security, and makes people understand its importance.
    In social media too, trending hashtags, video clips, posters, banner,s and other infographic materials are shared to contribute to the celebration. 

 

Do’s and don’ts

 Do’s:

• Attend customs awareness events and seminars. 

• Share educational posts about trade and customs.  

• Appreciate the work of customs officers and staff.  

 Don’ts:

• Don’t spread misinformation about customs policies or border procedures.

• Do not interfere with official customs operations.

• Do not use the day to promote illegal activity or smuggling.