International Customs Day Celebration on 2 February 2012

[Ref: F. No. 21000/9/2011-Cus/ICD dated 6^th January 2012]

Sub: International Customs Day Celebrations.

The undersigned is directed to refer to Board’s office letter of even no. dated 07.12.2011 on the above subject wherein it was stated that the International Customs Day 2012 shall be celebrated on 27^th January, 2012.

2. The Customs Act, 1962 was notified on 13^th December 1962 and came into force with effect from 1^st February 1963. Therefore, the 50^th year of Customs Act begins on 2^nd February 2012. Accordingly, and in consideration of the significant role that Customs has been playing in nation building through revenue collection, trade facilitation and safeguarding the economic integrity of the country, it is proposed to celebrate the above milestone, starting from 2^nd February 2012 and culminating on 1^st February 2013.

3. While the various initiatives/programmes that could mark this celebration would be communicated separately, it is requested to suitably integrate this occasion into the International Customs Day 2012 celebration, which will now be celebrated in India on 02.02.2012.

4. Suggestions are requested on measures that could be taken to propagate the theme of International Customs Day 2012 as well as the 50^th year of the Customs Act, 1962.