Last Sunday, January 26, International Customs Day was celebrated, an opportune occasion in which the World Customs Organization (WCO) presented its roadmap for the 186 member customs administrations, from its headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. The theme of the year, «Customs fulfills its commitment to efficiency, security and prosperity"was the central theme of this celebration, which underlined the fundamental role of customs in international trade and the security of the logistics chain.
Since then, a number of events and activities have been held to highlight the strategic role of customs in facilitating trade, ensuring security and fostering sustainable economic growth. What were the highlights? What should be kept in mind in the coming months? Here is a summary.
1. Speech by WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders
WCO Secretary-General Ian Saunders opened the event by highlighting the importance of International Customs Day. In his speech, he recalled how, since its founding more than 70 years ago, the WCO has been the leading forum for global customs cooperation. He underlined the need for more effective communication from the customs community about its impact on the efficiency, security and prosperity of international trade. “CWhen we tell the world how we are helping to achieve these goals, we create the possibility of greater understanding, greater appreciation and greater investment.”, he said. This is because, in the words of the Secretary General, “Customs has been key to sustaining and improving the international trade system, supporting global economic vitality”. This is a key point that we will have to follow closely throughout the year.
2. Ceremony at Brussels City Hall and parade on the Grand-Place
Following the Secretary-General's speech, the celebration continued with a special ceremony at Brussels City Hall, attended by Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Vincent Van Peteghem, and Filip Van De Velde, President of the Belgian Federal Public Finance Service. During the event, medals were awarded to customs officers in recognition of their dedication.
A symbolic moment was the parade on the iconic Grand-Place, led by the Belgian Ministry of Finance Band and with Manneken-Pis (the famous statue of a boy urinating) dressed as a customs officer. This parade filled Brussels with pride on this edition of International Customs Day 2025.
3. Celebrations in the Americas
In the Americas, International Customs Day was also commemorated with highly significant events. For example, on January 27, the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service held a ceremony at its headquarters in Brasilia, in which it paid tribute to professionals who contributed to the modernization of foreign trade. Present at the event were the Special Secretary of the RFB, Robson Barreirinha, the Undersecretary of Customs Administration, Fabiano Coelho, and Andre Martins, Superintendent of the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service in the 8th Fiscal Region of São Paulo.
The ceremony highlighted the work of Customs Brokers, highlighting their role in the security and compliance of customs processes. In addition, WCO Certificates of Merit were awarded to officials who have been instrumental in improving the efficiency and transparency of the customs system, including Daniela Araújo Vieira Cavalcanti, Luis Rafael do Nascimento Martins Ferreira and Rodrigo da Silva Salles do Nascimento. As part of the event, an emotional posthumous tribute was paid to key figures in the sector, such as Antonio José de Araújo Filho, Gilmar de Lima Neto and Walter Watanabe, whose contributions have left a lasting mark on Brazilian customs.
The Chilean National Customs Service also celebrated International Customs Day at the port of San Antonio, focusing the commemoration on the work of its officials. Official Claudio Vera was recognized for his commitment and exemplary performance, and the National Director highlighted the role of Customs in national security, tax collection and economic prosperity.
A new month, a new opportunity
Tomorrow, 1 February, marks the start of a new month, but also a valuable opportunity for Customs to continue to demonstrate its vital role. As the Secretary General stressed: “May this year serve to help the world understand the vital role that Customs plays in protecting citizens and improving their quality of life.”
A fundamental commitment that we must keep in mind, not only to guarantee security and trade, but also to promote global well-being.
- El The official message from the World Customs Organization is available in Spanish through the following link: link.
- If you want to reread it at any time, you also have the option to download it at PDF
- We also invite you to discover our publication entitled “The extraordinary history of the OMA: six key moments from its foundation to today”. You can access it here
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.