International Customs Day celebrates the role of customs officials and agencies.  It is held on January 26 to commemorate the anniversary of the inaugural meeting of the Customs Cooperation Council (currently known as the World Customs Organization) and is celebrated by customs administrations worldwide. Customs agencies regulate trade at borders around the globe and are one of the cornerstones of TFA implementation.  Their work to standardize and streamline practices while prioritizing safety and efficiency is central to expediting the international flow of goods and people.   This year's International Customs Day theme is “Customs fostering Sustainability for People, Prosperity and the Planet”.  For more information see here.

The Geneva Customs Club met over lunch on this special day to celebrate 68 years of international customs cooperation and camaraderie- with hopes of many more to come.  The Customs Club of Geneva was formed some 15 years ago for officials currently or formerly working for their national customs administration and involved in WTO issues.   This social club is currently comprised of 24 members from 22 countries that work for Geneva-based missions, the WTO Secretariat and other international organizations.  The current president hails from Senegal.