International Customs Day is one of the most important dates on the world agenda. It invites us to inform ourselves, deepen our knowledge and recognize the value of customs in ensuring security and facilitating trade: these same three purposes has this note of Customs News.
January 26: A new International Customs Day is coming. Since 1983, this date has been a special moment of remembrance, at the initiative of the World Customs Organization (WCO). This intergovernmental body, with exclusive competence in customs matters, established this day in commemoration of its inaugural session which took place on January 26, 1953 in the city of Brussels (Kingdom of Belgium, Europe), at the proposal of the United States and Spain (Sessions 61 and 62 of the Council).
⦁ Global membership. This unique Organization, which was originally focused on Europe, gradually became internationalized with global objectives and influence, due in part to the recognition by governments of the importance of customs in national economies. In view of this, the number of WCO members has grown continuously until it now has a global membership. That is, from 17 founding members from Europe, it has grown to 185 Customs Administrations from countries on all continents, representing more than 98% of global foreign trade. Argentina has been a member since 01/07/1968.
⦁ Cooperation. Since its inception, the WCO has been oriented towards cooperation. In this regard, it has played a key role in developing international standards, recommendations, tools and instruments to support the national customs legislation and practices of its members and in developing and implementing various customs systems and procedures that ensure security. It has also developed and managed the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, an international standard classification method for goods. The Organization has also helped administer the policies of the World Trade Organization, safeguarding societies from scourges from abroad (illegal drugs, defective products, dangerous substances and materials, to name just a few), helping to legitimize international trade.
⦁ Motto of the year. Each year, the WCO chooses a theme to celebrate International Customs Day and to focus on a specific aspect related to the values that it represents. For example, in 2021 was “Customs Strengthening Recovery, Renewal and Resilience for a Sustainable Supply Chain”; 2022 advocated "Expanding the digital transformation of Customs through a data culture and the creation of a data ecosystem" and in 2023 encouraged to "Accompany the new generation: promote the exchange of knowledge and foster pride in the customs profession." 2024 The motto is: “Engaging new and traditional partners with a purpose.” All these mottos are accompanied by related content in the web page of the WCO and a message from the Secretary-General.
⦁ Secretary. Since its inception, the WCO has been chaired by eight Secretaries General and seven Deputy Secretaries General of different origins and nationalities. Precisely, since the January 1, 2024The leadership of the General Secretariat is led by Ian Saunders (United States), who, together with the Deputy Secretary General, Ricardo Treviño Chapa (Mexico), is responsible for the overall strategic direction and management of the secretariat.
Some notes and a book about OMA. The mission of the World Customs Organization is so important that it works closely with international organizations, private sector entities and academic institutions. To contribute to their greater knowledge, Customs News I selected two articles and a book that show what we can (and should) learn more about this existing international organization.
⦁ The World Customs Organization. A brief tribute on its 70th anniversary. It is an article by Dr. Héctor Juárez Allende, for which the author develops Historical Background, Institutional Structure, Legal Instruments, the role of the Private Sector, as well as current challenges and the agenda for the future. The note is here.
⦁ The World Customs Organization and its importance in international trade. On the concepts of foreign trade or world trade, Master Werner Ovalle Ramírez invites us to delve deeper here
⦁ The International Association of Customs Professionals (ASAPRA) and the Center for Customs Brokers (CDA) presented the book on the World Customs Organization. Information about the work is here.
From global to local. News with impact. As we announced, Argentina has renewed its authorities in the General Directorate of Customs. These officials are part of a restructuring of the cabinet of President Javier Gerardo Milei, who took office on December 10, 2023. To remember the names, we suggest you read here.
To recap, International Customs Day is an important initiative:
- It allows us to recognize to the customs officials who work tirelessly to ensure a secure customs office.
- It encourages us to collaborate through knowledge and compliance with the country's customs rules when trading and/or traveling.
- It helps us prosperThe date commemorates the value of international trade, whose numerous transactions help boost economic growth and raise the standard of living in nations around the world.
Happy International Customs Day!
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
