January 26 — International Customs Officer's Day: history, traditions, congratulations

At the end of January, the professional community of more than 180 countries will celebrate the International Customs Officer's Day. This holiday is dedicated to specialists whose daily work ensures the security of economic borders, controls international cargo flows and promotes global trade. Izvestia tells about when the holiday appeared and how it is celebrated in 2026.

When is International Customs Officer Day in 2026

International Customs Officer's Day is not just a professional holiday, but a symbol of global unity and responsibility of specialists whose work is invisible to most citizens, but is extremely important for the security and economic well—being of every country.

Every year, customs officers are honored internationally and regionally on January 26. In 2026, this date falls on a Monday.

The holiday should be distinguished from the Day of the Customs Service Employee (Customs Officer's Day), a professional celebration in honor of employees of the Federal Customs Service (FCS) of Russia, which is celebrated on October 25.

The history of the International Customs Officer's Day

The date of the celebration of the International Customs Officer's Day was not chosen by chance. More than 70 years ago, on January 26, 1953, the first session of the Customs Cooperation Council (CTC) was held in Brussels, which was later transformed into the World Customs Organization (WCO).

The organization is global in nature and acts as an international center for cooperation, exchange of experience and development of common standards. Without these rules, international trade would face chaotic and incompatible requirements from different countries, which would dramatically increase costs and slow down the movement of goods.

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Today, the World Customs Organization includes more than 180 countries. Russia joined the WCO in 1992 as the legal successor of the Soviet Union, which became a member of the organization in July 1991.

In 1983, in the year of the 30th anniversary of the World Customs Organization, the International Customs Officer's Day was celebrated for the first time in the world. The holiday was established in recognition of the work of customs officers and in order to further develop international cooperation. Since then, it has become an annual tradition, bringing together the customs services of different countries.

International Customs Officer's Day — traditions of celebration in Russia and the world

Traditionally, professional seminars, lectures, press conferences and media briefings, award ceremonies for distinguished employees, festive concerts and various cultural events are held around the world on this day.

Every year, the World Customs Organization determines the theme of the celebration, which reflects the key tasks of the industry. In 2026, it sounds like "Customs protects society through vigilance and dedication." This wording highlights the crucial role of customs authorities in protecting goods, securing borders, and facilitating legal trade.

In Russia, special events related to the history of the Russian customs service are added to these traditions. Customs specialists summarize the results of their work for the year and plan future activities. The best employees receive awards, diplomas, and cash prizes from their superiors. Festive concerts are held in cultural institutions and customs universities.

They also do not forget about the veterans of the Federal Customs Service. They are given flowers and memorable valuable gifts. At the same time, there is a separate holiday in Russia — Veterans Day of the Customs Service, which is celebrated on May 29. On this day, congratulations are extended to all those who have served flawlessly in the customs authorities for 20 years or more.

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How to congratulate on the International Customs Officer's Day on January 26

On International Customs Officer's Day, congratulations are accepted by all current and former customs officers, as well as students and teachers of specialized educational institutions. Traditionally, the perpetrators of the celebration are wished success in their service, good health, patience and attentiveness. Below are examples of how to congratulate on a professional holiday on January 26th.

"Happy International Customs Officer's Day! On this holiday, which is common to customs officers all over the world, we wish you to strengthen international cooperation, successfully counter new challenges and threats, and develop mutually beneficial trade. May your personal and joint efforts make the world safer, and the economic ties between the countries stronger and more transparent!"

"Dear Customs officers! On your professional holiday, we wish you impeccable service, precision in calculations and wisdom in decision-making. May your experience and professionalism always serve to strengthen the economic security of our country! I wish you good health, well-being and new successes in your work!"

"Dear Customs officers! On International Customs Officer's Day, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for your daily work, responsibility and dedication to the profession. Your work requires not only specialized knowledge, but also high moral qualities, which you demonstrate to the fullest. We wish you professional victories, personal happiness and confidence in the future!"

"Dear veterans of the Customs service! Your many years of experience, dedication and selfless work have laid a solid foundation for the development of modern customs. We wish you good health, long life, the attention of your loved ones and pride in your work, which serves as an example for young professionals. Thank you for your contribution to the protection of the country's economic borders!"

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the Prosecutor's Office Day, which was celebrated in Russia on January 12.

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