International Customs Day is observed on January 26 each year. It recognizes the work of customs officers and agencies around the world, who help secure borders, collect duties, stop smuggling and keep legitimate trade moving. Every time you receive a package from overseas or return from an international trip, customs officers play a role. The World Customs Organization chooses a theme for the day each year.
History of International Customs Day
On January 26, 1953, the Customs Co-operation Council held its first session in Brussels, Belgium, with 17 European member countries. The council was created to improve cooperation among customs administrations and simplify international trade. In 1994, it adopted the working name World Customs Organization (WCO), and today it has more than 180 members.
The WCO develops international standards, such as the Harmonized System used to classify goods, and supports training and technology for customs agencies. International Customs Day was first celebrated in 1983.
In the United States, customs has a long history. In 1789, Congress passed the Tariff Act and created customs districts to collect duties, which were the federal government's main source of revenue for many years. In 2003, U.S. Customs merged with other agencies to form U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), part of the Department of Homeland Security.
Why International Customs Day Matters
Customs officers protect communities by intercepting illegal drugs, weapons, counterfeit goods, endangered wildlife products and unsafe items.
They also support the economy by facilitating legitimate trade, collecting duties and enforcing trade rules.
The day highlights how international cooperation helps keep global trade both secure and efficient.
How to Celebrate International Customs Day
- Thank customs officers: recognize their often unseen work.
- Learn travel rules: check what you can and can't bring into the U.S.
- Shop safely: avoid counterfeit goods.
- Explore careers: learn about jobs in customs and trade.
- Study trade: learn how goods are classified and taxed.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, logistics, import and export teams can recognize customs partners and review compliance practices. In classrooms, students can trace how a product travels from another country to a store shelf, learn about tariffs or explore how customs protects wildlife. At home, families planning international travel can review customs rules together to avoid surprises at the airport.
Fun Facts About International Customs Day
- The Customs Co-operation Council first met on January 26, 1953.
- It adopted the name World Customs Organization in 1994.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection was formed in 2003.
International Customs Day FAQs
When is International Customs Day?
International Customs Day is observed on January 26 each year.
Why is it on January 26?
It marks the first session of the Customs Co-operation Council on January 26, 1953.
What is the World Customs Organization?
An intergovernmental organization that helps customs agencies cooperate and set standards.
What do customs officers do?
They inspect goods and travelers, collect duties and stop illegal or dangerous items.
When was U.S. Customs founded?
Congress created customs collection in 1789.
What is CBP?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, formed in 2003 within the Department of Homeland Security.