26 Ene Celebrating international customs day
Every January 26, the world celebrates a date that marks the first meeting held by the World Customs Organization (WCO) in 1953.
Back in 1947, thirteen European governments set up a study group that examined the possibility of establishing an union based on the principles of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). In 1948 the group created two committees, and one became the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC) which was formally established in 1952. The inaugural session was held in Brussels on January 26, 1953, with representatives of seventeen European countries[1]. Nowadays, the WCO (which got its current name in 1994) has 185 members, three-quarters of which are developing countries, and overall manage more than 98% of world trade.
The mission of the organization is developing international standards, fostering cooperation, and building capacity to facilitate legitimate trade. Since its creation, it strives to achieve a balance between trade facilitation and compliance with statutory requirements through the active participation of customs experts and trading partners around the world. It has developed Conventions, standards and programs that enable member administrations to respond to government requirements in terms of trade facilitation and effective Customs control[2].
Ian Saunders, Secretary General of the WCO, announced today the new theme for 2024, named “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose”[3]. Recognizing the challenges that global trade faces in this new era, consisting of an everchanging technological market, an environmental crisis and a tense political landscape, Saunders uses this opportunity to reflect on the organization’s longstanding partnerships and simultaneously encouraging to seek new ones in financial institutions, environmental organizations, NGOs and academic institutions.
As we celebrate an organization that is key in the development of our affairs, we say “Borders divide, Customs connects”.
Written by: Valeria Quintero Montes
[1] https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/144711/1/GTCJ_4%287-8%29_Weerth_Proofs_WCO_Short_History.pdf
[2] https://www.aduana.cl/aduana/site/artic/20070301/pags/20070301121353.html
[3] https://www.wcoomd.org/en/media/newsroom/2024/january/wco-dedicates-2024-to-customs-engaging-traditional-and-new-partners-with-purpose.aspx
Photo attribution: <a href=»https://www.vecteezy.com/free-vector/international-customs-day»>International Customs Day Vectors by Vecteezy</a>
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