International Customs Day in Brazzaville
International Customs Day, celebrated on January 26 in Brazzaville, was an opportunity for Congolese authorities to reaffirm the strategic place of customs in national life. Officials presented the administration as central to protecting society, supporting security, and facilitating trade flows.
In their messages, customs services were described as a first line of defense against risks that could affect communities, including cross-border threats. The day’s theme in Congo emphasized vigilance and commitment as the practical foundations of this mission.
A “Often Invisible” Role Highlighted
During the commemoration, the Minister of Economy and Finance addressed customs officers with a clear call: to remain fully committed to work whose importance is not always visible to the public, but which is decisive for the protection of society.
Customs work was linked to the country’s broader economic and social prospects, arguing that routine vigilance at borders and along logistics routes matters more as cross-border threats multiply. In this context, customs were presented as a safeguard for prosperity, not just a revenue service.
Security, Health, Environment: An Extended Protective Mandate
The Minister’s remarks described customs as a “true bulwark” on several fronts, including national and international security, public health, environmental protection, and the integrity of the supply chain. The message was that protection is now multidimensional and requires constant preparation.
He encouraged the administration to highlight concrete actions demonstrating this protective role. Among the measures cited were risk management, detection equipment, data analysis, intelligence sharing, and regional cooperation, presented as complementary tools rather than standalone solutions.
Unified Response Through Expanded Partnerships
The government is banking on stronger partnerships to increase effectiveness. Closer coordination with other public administrations, security services, international and non-governmental organizations, as well as with economic and logistics operators who move goods and manage supply chains was discussed.
The central argument was that better protection cannot be achieved in silos. “Better protection of society requires a unified response,” it was emphasized, insisting that cooperation is not an optional add-on but a condition for dealing with complex, cross-border risks.
Customs Modernization Committee Reviews Reform Reports
Alongside the public ceremony, a committee responsible for modernizing and monitoring reforms of the Congolese customs met. The meeting reviewed and adopted several activity reports.
The documents reviewed included reports from the joint advisory commission, the technical subcommittee on customs value, the anti-fraud subcommittee, the fiscal expenditure assessment subcommittee, and the subcommittee focused on trade facilitation, reflecting a broad reform agenda.
Alignment with International Standards Since 2022
A customs inspector and Congo’s national correspondent to the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Central Africa stated that the customs administration is in continuous evolution and must align with international standards. He highlighted efforts undertaken by the authorities since 2022.
In his account, modernization is presented as a necessity dictated by evolving trade patterns and the pressure of cross-border threats. The implication is that technical upgrades and institutional reforms go hand in hand, particularly in valuation, fraud control, and facilitation.
A Regional Reform Dynamic Within the WCO Framework
The described reform path was linked to a broader regional dynamic, at a time when the Director General of Customs and Indirect Taxes also served as Vice President of the World Customs Organization for the West and Central Africa region. The stated goal is modernization and compliance.
Within this framework, Congo’s approach is positioned as part of a collective effort to strengthen customs administrations to become more effective and compliant with international standards. January 26 thus served as both a commemoration and a progress checkpoint.