Happy International Customs Day – January 26. 2023

I was just searching for some other information whenI noticed that today, January 26th, is International Customs Day. This day celebrates all the customs officials and agencies that work around the clock to ensure secure and effective world trade management. It was as first established in 1983 by the Customs Co-operation Council (CCC), now known as the World Customs Organization (WCO), to raise awareness of the important role that customs plays in our daily lives. Customs play a vital role in our global economy, facilitating the movement of goods and people across borders and helping to ensure that trade is conducted in a safe, secure, and sustainable manner as well as being on the front line to combat smuggling, money laundering, drug trafficking, the illegal movement of people, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

When I send shipments from Israel to arrive at the Amazon warehouses it can be nerve-wracking waiting to see if it is going to sail through customs, or if they will be delayed. As a small business, it is important that the customs processes are efficient, so that our products reach are available on Amazon as early as possible. Unfortunately, delays in customs clearance can occur for a variety of reasons, such as increased security checks, missing paperwork, or incorrect labeling. These delays can be so frustrating, and I am always anxious when my shipments are in transit. I have to remind myself that the customs officials are working hard to ensure that trade is conducted in a safe and secure manner and they are not doing it just to get at me.

In honor of International Customs Day, we would like to express our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of customs officials around the world. Their efforts help to ensure that trade is conducted in a fair and orderly manner, and that our communities are safer and more prosperous as a result.