The World Customs Organization (WCO) celebrated International Customs Day (ICD) on 26 January 2024 in Brussels, Belgium, and officially launched its theme for the year: “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose”.
At the WCO Headquarters, Mr. Ian Saunders, the WCO Secretary General, welcomed guests and highlighted the significance of this day in commemorating the establishment of the Customs Cooperation Council as a unique forum dedicated to advancing Customs harmonization, providing guidance, and helping Customs administrations in executing their crucial functions.
He emphasized the overarching goals Customs must pursue, including trade facilitation and supply chain security. These objectives, when combined, contribute to fostering international trade, economic growth, and improving the standard of living for people worldwide. He underscored the essential role of Customs officers globally, stressing the need for dedication, a clear understanding of the mission, and the ability to translate standards into practical implementation.
The Secretary General highlighted that the 2024 theme is a call to action for WCO Members and the Secretariat. It urges the strengthening of existing relationships and challenges both to seek new, diverse contacts to enhance their work and amplify its impact.
As the event was co-organized by Netherlands Customs, Mr. Arno Kooij, Deputy Director General of The Netherlands Customs Administration, representing Ms. Nanette van Schelven, Director General, expressed his full support for the 2024 theme, emphasizing that trade facilitation and security at borders require collaboration with both public and private partners. He detailed how Dutch Customs was fortifying relationships through consultations with government bodies and business community, prioritizing transparency, openness, and cooperation.
The event featured video screenings showcasing Dutch Customs' control and law enforcement activities, along with a tasting of Dutch specialties, creating a festive atmosphere with a musical combo from Dutch Customs.
Earlier in the day, Secretary General Saunders participated in Belgian Customs’ ICD celebration at Brussels City Hall, which saw the participation of Ms. Hilde Aerts, the President of SPF Finances ad interim; Mr. Filip Van De Velde, the head of cabinet of the ministry of Finance of Belgium; as well as Mr. Kristian Vanderwaeren, Belgium’s General Administrator of Customs and Excise. The celebration included speeches, a ceremony to award certificates of merit and medals to deserving Customs officers and Customs attachés, as well as a parade led by the official band of the Belgian Ministry of Finance that ended at the iconic Manneken-Pis statue, dressed as a Customs officer for the occasion.
This year’s commemoration of International Customs Day showcased the value of Customs, the dedication of its employees, the importance of its mission, and the role of relationships in enabling success. It recognized longstanding work and set an important direction for efforts by the Customs community in 2024.