WCO celebrates International Customs Day highlighting Customs role in protecting society

• Theme of the year 2026, Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment

• Multifaced nature of Customs's work highlighted as key to safeguarding the public

• Belgium hosts traditional ceremony to mark International Customs Day at Grand Place in Brussels

International Customs Day (ICD), observed on 26 January, is a moment for the international community to put in the spotlight the essential role played by Customs administrations in facilitating trade, enhancing security, and protecting society.

Each year, the World Customs Organization (WCO) marks the day through outreach events aligned with a dedicated theme. For 2026, the theme highlights the unique role played by Customs in safeguarding the security of communities in an increasingly complex global environment.

Representatives from the global Customs community gathered to mark the day at WCO Headquarters. WCO Secretary General, Ian Saunders, in his opening address, emphasized how Customs shared mission is as important to the global economy as it is to the well-being of people and why that mission deserves recognition, investment and support, encouraging the audience to continue telling the story of Customs.

The event included participation from the International Association of Customs/Tax Museums (ICAM), which presented a historical exhibition illustrating the evolution of Customs over centuries. The display underscored how Customs has adapted its mission to reflect the changing needs of states, societies, and international commerce. Beyond Brussels, administrations across the globe used digital platforms, public ceremonies, and outreach initiatives to thank Customs officers and raise awareness of the value they bring to national economies and public safety.

Earlier in the day, WCO Secretary General Saunders attended the ICD commemoration ceremony organized by Belgium Customs at the Town Hall of the City of Brussels that honoured Customs officials. The event brought together other high-level representatives, including the Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium, Jan Jambon, Director-General of Belgian Customs, and Director-General in the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD).

In his remarks, Secretary General Saunders acknowledged the commitment of Customs personnel and the breadth of responsibilities carried out at borders every day. He went on to say that the work of Customs embodies sustained attention and professional dedication, applied in circumstances in which a small omission can have significant consequences. The Secretary General concluded by pointing out that when Customs succeeds, communities are safer and our future is more secure. The ceremony ended with a military parade on the Grand-Place led by the Belgian Ministry of Finance Band to the famous Manneken Pis statue, dressed as Customs officer for the occasion.

ICD celebrations across the globe serve as a reminder that Customs administrations are critical to fostering secure and sustainable economic development. As global trade expands and security challenges become more complex, the work of Customs remains indispensable.