International Customs Day (ICD) is annually observed across the globe on 26 January to recognise the role of customs officials and agencies in maintaining border security and the flow of goods across borders.
- This day commemorates the day of the inaugural session of the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC) (now World Customs Organization (WCO)) held in Brussels, Belgium in 1953.
26 January 2024 marks the 71st anniversary of WCO, an intergovernmental body dedicated to enhancing customs administrations worldwide.
- The theme of ICD 2024 is ‘Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose.’
Note:Â The theme underscores the significance of adaptability, inclusivity, and purposeful partnership in customer practices, aiming to create a more interconnected, efficient, and purpose-driven global trade environment.
Purpose of ICD:
i.It acknowledges and honors the customs authorities and agencies in moving goods across borders.
ii.It also focuses on the working conditions and challenges that customs officers face.
Note: Customs authorities of WCO’s member administrations organise events on this day annually and members of the WCO also showcase their efforts and activities on ICD.
Background:
i.The CCC established International Customs Day in 1983 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its inaugural session.
- In 1994 the CCC became a global organisation and was renamed the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
ii.The 1st ever ICD was observed on 26 January 1983 in Brussels, Belgium with only 17 member nations participating.
Mission of WCO:
WCO develops international standards, fosters cooperation, and builds capacity to: Facilitate legitimate trade;
- Secure a fair revenue collection, and protect society;
- Providing leadership, guidance; and
- Support to Customs administrations.
Custom Administration in India:
i.The Indian Customs Act of 1962 governs import and export tariffs and sets the rules for customs valuation.
ii.The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) (erstwhile Central Board of Excise & Customs) is the apex body for customs, excise, and goods and services tax-related matters in India.
iii.CBIC is a part of the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government of India (GoI).
Tasks of CBIC:
i.It deals with the tasks of:
- Formulation of policy concerning levy and collection of Customs;
- Central Excise duties, Central Goods & Services Tax and IGST;
- Prevention of smuggling, and administration of matters relating to Customs, Central Excise, Central Goods & Services Tax, IGST, and Narcotics to the extent under CBIC’s purview.
ii.The Board is the administrative authority for its subordinate organizations, including Custom Houses, Central Excise and Central Goods and Service Tax (GST) Commissionerates, and the Central Revenues Control Laboratory.
About World Customs Organization (WCO):
WCO is the only international organization with competence in Customs matters. It represents 185 Customs administrations across the globe that collectively process approximately 98% of world trade.
Secretary-General– Mr. Ian Saunders (United States of America)
Headquarters– Brussels, Belgium
Established in– 1952
