January 26 marks International Customs Day, celebrated by the World Customs Organization and its roughly 186 member customs administrations worldwide. The date traces back to the inaugural session of the Customs Co-operation Council, the WCO's predecessor, held in Brussels on January 26, 1953. In 1983, on the thirtieth anniversary of that founding meeting, the organization designated the date as an annual day to celebrate customs work around the globe. The Council was later renamed the World Customs Organization in 1994. Customs administrations play an increasingly vital role in today's world, extending well beyond collecting duties. They facilitate the legitimate flow of cross-border trade, combat smuggling and illicit trafficking in goods, narcotics, and weapons, protect intellectual property, and help secure global supply chains. Collectively, WCO member administrations process transactions covering roughly 98 percent of world trade. Customs administrations mark the day with public awareness events, recognition of frontline customs officers, and the release of a new annual theme highlighting a specific priority, such as digitalizing customs procedures, combating illicit trade, or supporting small and medium-sized businesses engaged in international trade.