The WCO is delighted to launch our newsletter that will share the news, insights and updates that showcase how the WCO brings Customs together for a safer, more prosperous and sustainable world.

In each edition you will find the following:

• Customs content that matters: our most significant news and insights for those in the global Customs community.
• Members corner: showcasing innovations and advancements being made by one of the 187 WCO Members through the implementation of WCO tools, guidelines and instruments.
• In case you missed it: updates on Customs mission of facilitating legitimate trade, ensuring fair revenue collection and protecting society.
• Coming Soon: information about future events, appearances and publications.

Happy reading!

Celebrating International Customs Day

Celebrated on January 26 each year to mark the day in 1953 when the Customs Co-operation Council (now the WCO) held its inaugural session in Brussels. It is a day to pause, recognize and honour the essential work of the WCO and Customs administrations in securing borders, facilitating trade, and protecting society.

WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders attending International Customs Day celebrations with Belgium Customs and at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium

WCO launches theme of the year - Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment

WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders presents the theme of the year calling on all Customs administrations and partners to demonstrate the positive and crucial work conducted by Customs on a daily basis to ensure the security of the global supply chain and the safety of society.

WCO Technology Conference & Exhibition wrap up for 2026

The flagship annual conference of the WCO concluded on 30 January in Abu Dhabi following three days of discussions, presentations, and Tech Talks. Innovation in action was demonstrated through a hackathon where participants presented practical prototypes addressing real Customs challenges. The Conference enabled Customs, industry, technology providers, academia and more to share innovations that will contribute to the future of Customs.

Read more about the Conference and its theme for 2026 - "Customs Agility in a Complex World: Securing and Facilitating Trade through Innovation":

• Day 1: Securing Borders for Safer Trade
• Day 2: Trade Facilitation Through Digital Pathways
• Day 3: Innovating for the Future of Customs

Members Corner

Each month we will showcase innovations and advancements being made by one of the 187 WCO Members through the implementation of WCO tools, guidelines and instruments. This month we celebrate the Nigeria Customs Service's (NCS) launch of its Time Release Study report. With technical assistance from the WCO and funding from UK HMRC, the NCS TRS demonstrates the value of collaboration, sharing of best practices, implementation of WCO tools and a commitment to modernization and efficiencies in Customs procedures.

Video shared courtesy of Nigeria Customs Service

In case you missed it

• Tool Update: Harmonized System 2028 Updates announced
• Operations: Demeter XI stops illicit waste and environmentally sensitive substances from entering supply chain
• Report: Illicit Trade Report 2024
• Deep Dive: Integrity of Global Supply Chains

Coming soon

The next edition of the WCO News will be published soon!

Borders divide, Customs connects.