.svg)
Mark your calendars for January 26 because it's time to celebrate International Customs Day! This day was created by the World Customs Organization (WCO) in 1953 to recognize the important role that customs officials play in promoting international trade and protecting national borders. It's a day to appreciate the hard work and dedication of these individuals who work tirelessly to ensure the smooth movement of goods and people across borders. So let's take a moment to thank our customs officers and learn more about their crucial role in global trade.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1952</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of the CCC</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Customs Co-operation Council (CCC), currently known as the World Customs Organization (WCO), was established to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of customs administrations worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1953</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Session of CCC</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first session of the Customs Co-operation Council was held in Brussels, Belgium, with representatives from 17 European countries in attendance.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Name Change to WCO</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Customs Co-operation Council changes its name to the World Customs Organization, reflecting its global membership.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of International Customs Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The World Customs Organization officially inaugurates January 26 as International Customs Day to recognize the role of customs officials and agencies.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present Day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Annual Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>Each year, International Customs Day focuses on a different theme to reflect strategic priorities of the customs community.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Explore different customs around the world</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to research and learn about different customs and traditions from various countries. You can even try incorporating some of them into your daily life.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural festival or event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check out if there are any local events or festivals celebrating different customs and cultures. This is a great way to immerse yourself in new and unique traditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try out new foods and drinks</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Food is often a big part of customs and traditions. Step out of your comfort zone and try some new dishes and drinks from different cultures. You may discover some new favorites!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host an international potluck</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a potluck where everyone brings a dish from a different country. This is a fun and delicious way to celebrate International Customs Day together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn a traditional dance or music</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a dance or music class to learn about traditional customs and performances from different cultures. It's a great way to connect with the customs of others through art and expression.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes cultural understanding and respect</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Customs Day celebrates the diversity of customs around the world. By learning about and respecting different customs, we can promote cultural understanding and foster a more inclusive and tolerant society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Encourages preservation of traditional practices</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Customs Day also serves as a reminder to preserve and honor traditional practices that may be at risk of disappearing in today's fast-paced world. This helps to maintain cultural heritage and ensure that future generations can learn about their roots.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Highlights the importance of trade and economic cooperation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Many customs are intimately tied to trade and economic collaboration between countries. International Customs Day recognizes the role that these customs play in creating a global interconnected economy, promoting peace and prosperity among nations.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>The World Customs Organization (WCO) is a Global Entity</h3><p class='facts-text'>The WCO is an independent intergovernmental body based in Brussels, Belgium with a mission to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of customs administrations worldwide.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>The WCO was initially established as the Customs Co-operation Council (CCC)</h3><p class='facts-text'>The organization was established on January 26, 1952, as the CCC. It adopted its current name, the World Customs Organization, in 1994 to better reflect its transition to a truly global institution.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>The WCO represents a Majority of the Global Population</h3><p class='facts-text'>The WCO's member customs administrations collectively process approximately 98% of world trade, representing over 180 countries and economies.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>The WCO Develops International Customs Standards</h3><p class='facts-text'>The organization fosters international custom standards, simplifies and harmonizes systems and procedures, and facilitates trade between member states.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>The WCO is Committed to Fight Against Fraud</h3><p class='facts-text'>Through its initiatives, the WCO combats fraudulent activities and enhances the capabilities of member customs administrations in areas such as risk management, enforcement, and compliance.</p></div></div>
International Customs Day is celebrated on January 26 every year. In 2024 International Customs Day will occur on a Friday.
2023
Jan 26
Thursday
2024
Jan 26
Friday
2025
Jan 26
Sunday
2026
Jan 26
Monday
2027
Jan 26
Tuesday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
