Without customs agencies and officials, the flow of goods around the world would be a tricky proposition at best. Although some people might look at the many layers of bureaucracy and cringe, customs are necessary to maintain border security and ensure that illegal or dangerous goods or animals aren’t entering the country.

That’s why customs officials and agencies should be praised for the job they do every single day. We can praise them for this job by observing International Customs Day every January 26th. This holiday shows appreciation for those people who keep the borders safe and do it while ensuring that goods can readily flow into the country from all over the world.

The History of International Customs Day

International Customs Day can be traced back to January 26, 1953. This is when the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC) held its inaugural meeting, attended by 17 European member countries, in Brussels.

Thirty years later, the Customs Cooperation Council would create this holiday on the 30th anniversary of the event. The CCC had its name changed in the mid-1990s to the World Customs Organization, and it has been known by this name ever since.

Facts About Customs & Border Protections

Below are some quick facts about customs and border protection services in the U.S.:

• Marijuana was a legal import into the U.S. a century ago.
• London Bridge was the largest antique ever sold.
• Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne both served as U.S. Customs Service officers.

Observing International Customs Day

People all over the world attend workshops, seminars, and speeches that discuss the importance of customs officials and agencies. There are also employee appreciation events thrown for those who work in this industry.

It’s also a good day for ordinary people to reflect on the importance of customs in keeping international trade secure—even if they only think about it for a moment. While observing this holiday, people can use the hashtag #InternationalCustomsDay on their social media accounts to spread the word about it.