International Customs Day (ICD), observed on January 26, celebrates custom officers and recognizes their role in border security worldwide. Events are held by custom agencies to appreciate their employee service and educate the public about their jobs.
On 26 January, 1953 in Brussels, Belgium the inaugural session of the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC) was held. It was preceded by ratification of special international Convention, which entered into force in November 1952. Coordination of efforts to solve problems of customs had given a perceptible result, the turnover had increased significantly, conducive environment for International business development had been created, contraband activity had been decreased.
Later in 1994 the Customs Cooperation Council was renamed World Customs Organization (WCO) and 17 countries took part in it. Today custom organizations from 179 countries are WCO members.
In 1983 WCO instituted International Customs Day which is held annually on January 26.
Conferences and talks, held on this Day, focus on the WCO’s annual theme and the challenges that custom officers face performing their duties.