International Customs Day (ICD) is observed on 26 January every year. The day recognizes the role of custom officials and agencies in maintaining border security. The day marks the anniversary of the formation of the Customs Co-operation Council. The Theme of 2020 is “Customs fostering Sustainability for People, Prosperity and the Planet”.
The day was instituted by the World Customs Organization (WCO) in 1953 during the session of the Customs Cooperation Council which was held in Brussels, Belgium. WCO was earlier called as Customs Cooperation Council. It was renamed as World Customs Organization in 1994. WCO has 179 member countries.
The day focuses on the working conditions and challenges that customs officers face in their jobs. The customs agencies hold employee appreciation events. The agencies recognize the custom officers for their exemplary service. Several agencies hold public outreach events to educate the public about their jobs and responsibilities.