From the tsar’s “mashers” to artificial intelligence: what is behind the Day of customs

Today, October 25, Russia celebrates Customs Day. This professional holiday, established by the decree of the President of the Russian Federation in 1995, has deep historical roots and ambitious plans for the future.

The date was not chosen by chance. On October 25, 1653, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich signed a decree on collecting customs duties "in Moscow and Russian cities." So in the country for the first time there was a Unified Customs Charter, which legislatively enshrined the rights and obligations of the "mythniks" - so in the old days called the collectors of duties. Almost four centuries have passed since then, but the essence of the work remains the same: control and protection of the economic interests of the state.

Today, the Federal Customs Service (FCS) of Russia is one of the largest structures of this kind in the world. In its ranks there are about 70 thousand people. The system includes 8 regional and 3 specialized departments, as well as its own Russian Customs Academy, recognized by the World Customs Organization as a regional training center. FCS representative offices operate in more than 20 countries of the world.

According to the development strategy until 2030, Russian customs is undergoing a large-scale digital transformation. The main goal is to create a “smart” customs service saturated with artificial intelligence technologies. Such a system should be closely linked to internal and external partners, ensure national security and complete collection of payments. At the same time, for law-abiding business, new technologies will make customs procedures as fast as possible and almost invisible, and for violators - effective and inevitable.

On this day, customs officials traditionally receive congratulations from the leadership, government and business representatives. MK in Pskov joins in congratulating and wishes the employees of the FCS professional success and calm duty.