1983 from the January 26 commemorates the International Customs DayThe anniversary celebrates the customs officials and administrations who work every day to ensure the efficient management of global trade.
The celebration of this day was established in reference to the first meeting of the Customs Cooperation Council, whose current name is the World Customs Organization (WCO). This representative institution of customs in the world has its headquarters in Brussels, capital of the Kingdom of Belgium.
A little bit of history
The background of International Customs Day dates back to 1948. Following the Second World War, some European countries began to consider the formation of a Customs Union and established the Study Group for the European Customs Union.
As a result of that effort, in 1952 The Customs Cooperation Council was established to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of customs administrations throughout the world, with respect to the harmonious treatment of the international flow of goods, as well as to provide a uniform global solution in matters of tariff classification and customs valuation of goods.
Its initial session was held on 26 1953 January. The establishment of the Customs Cooperation Council is considered a milestone as it is the first international organisation that directly and specifically represents customs on a global level.
This inaugural session was chaired by the Belgian Minister of Foreign Trade, who after opening the event, detailed the 17 founding countries of the Organization: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
The WCO was undoubtedly born with a strong “European” imprint. Fortunately, the open nature of the Organization and the drive of its founders made its global development possible.
On 16 November 1955, Pakistan submitted its ratification of the Convention and became the first non-European member. On 26 October 1956, Egypt from Africa also joined the Customs Cooperation Council. The first member from the Americas was Haiti, which submitted its instrument of ratification on 31 January 1958. The first member from Oceania was Australia, which submitted its corresponding letter on 5 January 1961. By this time, the Customs Cooperation Council already had 26 members spread across all continents.
En 1983, the Customs Cooperation Council establishes this historic date as International Customs Day to celebrate the role played by officials and customs.
After years of membership development and growth, in 1994 It was decided to change the name of the Customs Cooperation Council to the World Customs Organization.
Strategic objectives
The OMA provides Leadership, guidance and support to customs administrations. With this strategic aim, it collaborates in the establishment of standards for efficient customs administration throughout the world. It helps to develop and implement various customs systems and procedures that guarantee security. The WCO has also developed and managed the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, which refers to this international standard classification procedure for various goods. In this regard, the WCO works closely in cooperation with international organizations, with the private sector, in particular with customs brokers, and with academic institutions.
How many Member Countries are there in the WCO?
The WCO has 184 customs offices in member countries, including the separate customs territories: Hong Kong, Bermuda, Macao and the Netherlands Antilles.
Argentina has been a member of the Organization since July 1, 1967 and belongs to the Customs Region of the Americas, which includes South America, North America, Central America and the Caribbean; there are 33 countries that represent 17% of the WCO members.
The celebration of International Customs Day is a event of significance for International Trade, since it allows:
- Raising awareness in society on the importance of customs in the continued and safe development of world trade.
- Recognize the work and dedication of more than 830.000 civil servants customs officers responsible for protecting borders and ensuring that international trade is safe and legal.
- Improving international cooperationCustoms are a key part of international cooperation on trade, security and environmental protection. A well-known WCO motto states: “Borders separate, customs connect.”
- Promoting innovation and modernization:The World Customs Organization works to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of customs around the world. The celebration of International Customs Day helps to foster innovation and modernization in the field of customs.
- Nurturing the next generation of customs officers, promoting a culture of knowledge sharing and professional pride in working in customs services (WCO 2023 Motto).
What to read to learn more about the topic
An article. En septiembre de 2022, Customs News published the note “The World Customs Organization. A brief tribute on its 70th Anniversary” by Héctor Juárez Allende. You can read it here.
A book. We dedicated coverage to the launch of the book The World Customs Organization. Past, Present and Future by the same author of the article; without a doubt, it is the necessary publication to know in detail the only intergovernmental organization dedicated one hundred percent to customs issues. You can read it here.
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