January 26 marks International Customs Day

On January 26, customs officials celebrate International Customs Day. The World Customs Community celebrates the first formal session of the Customs Cooperation Council, known today as the World Customs Organization (WCO), held on this day in 1953. Today, the countries of the World Customs Organization are 183. Bulgaria has been a member of the organization since August 1, 1973.

Traditionally, International Customs Day goes under the motto of a specific theme, and for 2020 it is Customs in Support of Sustainable Development and Prosperity for People and the Planet. This slogan focuses on the role of customs at the global level for safe and secure societies over the coming twelve months, ensuring prosperity by reducing trade barriers, and ensuring environmental sustainability for future generations. The World Customs Organization also stresses the role of customs in ensuring a secure border, thus contributing to the benefit of related customs of economic prosperity and the unification of all actors throughout the supply chain. This idea is also enshrined in the WMO Strategic Plan for 2019-2022. and the new vision of the Customs Cohesion Organization for a safer and more prosperous world: Borders divide, customs connect.

Source: Customs Agency