January 26 - International Customs Officer Day: history and traditions of the holiday

Every year on January 26, Russia and other countries celebrate International Customs Officer Day, a professional holiday for specialists who control the transportation of cargo, passengers and vehicles across the border. In 2025 it falls on Sunday. Read about the history and traditions of this celebration in the material "Izvestia".

International Day of the customs officer: the history of the holiday on January 26

The celebration of the International Day of the customs officer is inextricably linked to the history of the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC) - a major international organization that regulates customs policy at the global level.

In 1947, 13 European countries decided to create a special Commission for the formation of a common commodity nomenclature and standardization of customs procedures. The results of the work of this Commission served as a basis for the creation of the CCC - the relevant convention was signed in December 1952. On January 26, 1953, the first session of this organization was held in Brussels, which was attended by representatives of 17 states.

In 1983, in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Customs Cooperation Council, a new professional holiday, International Customs Day, was established. Since then, it has been celebrated annually in most CCC participating countries.

In 1994, the CCC was renamed the World Customs Organization (WCO). Today, it comprises 185 countries, which control up to 98% of the world's trade. Developing countries account for three quarters of trade turnover.

Russia joined the WCO in 1992 as a legal successor of the Soviet Union, which became a member of the organization a year earlier.

Our country also has a national holiday in honor of employees of the Federal Customs Service - Customs Officer Day. It has been celebrated by decree of the President of the Russian Federation since 1995. October 25 was chosen as the date for it - on this day in 1653, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich signed a decree on the collection of customs duties in Moscow and other cities. The document also presupposed keeping records of the quantity of goods and the dues paid for them. This event is considered the starting point in the history of Russia's modern customs system.

International Day of the Customs Officer - 2025: traditions of the holiday

On the International Day of the customs officer traditionally held solemn meetings, where representatives of the professional community summarize the results of work for the year and discuss plans for the future. Customs officials who have distinguished themselves in their service are awarded honorary awards, bonuses or official commendations.

Various lectures, seminars, job fairs and meetings with experienced customs officers are held for students of specialized universities and colleges, during which students can ask questions related to their specialty.

Congratulations on International Customs Day

All current and former Customs officers, as well as students and teachers of specialized educational institutions, receive congratulations on International Customs Day. Traditionally, the celebrants are wished success in the service, good health, patience and attentiveness. Here is how it can be done:

"Congratulations on the International Day of the customs officer! I wish you to be sharper than an eagle, more perceptive than a service dog and more persistent than a tiger on the hunt. Let the work bring satisfaction, and cargoes are always declared according to the rules!"

Tagged: carriers warned of risks of cargo delays from January 27

From this day on, it will be impossible to import a whole range of goods within Russia and Belarus without navigation seals

"Dear customs officers, we congratulate you on your professional holiday! Thank you for your hard work, endurance and attention to detail. We wish you career growth, safe service, good health and financial well-being!"

"Happy International Customs Officer Day, colleagues! I wish you to honorably carry out your service, unmistakably identify violators, easily overcome any obstacles and do not pass up in the face of difficulties. May worries and disappointments remain beyond the border of your soul, and happiness and love pass through the "green corridor" out of turn!"

"Happy International Customs Officer Day! Today we honor the specialists who ensure the safety of cargo transportation in our country. We wish you to stay true to your principles, trust your professional instincts, remain confident in your own abilities and believe in a bright future. Let the service be easy, and the atmosphere of love and harmony reign at home!"

Earlier "Izvestia" told about the history and traditions of celebrating the Day of the Russian Engineering Forces.