Born on January 26
International Customs Day
Thank you to the people at every border.
Next: January 26, 2027
Where it comes from
International Customs Day marks 26 January 1953, when the Customs Co-operation Council held its inaugural session in Brussels with 17 founding members. The council had been created by a convention signed in 1950, after post-war studies of how European customs could work together.
How it's celebrated
The World Customs Organization and its member administrations use the day to recognise customs officers and the work they do, from collecting revenue to stopping dangerous goods. For travellers it is a reminder of the people who check what crosses borders so that trade, parcels and holiday luggage can move safely.
Did you know
Today the organisation represents 187 customs administrations, which together process about 98 per cent of world trade.
Read the full story of International Customs Day
Star sign
Aquarius · January 20 – February 18 · Air sign
Original and independent, a little ahead of their time.