According to an FCS Russia press release, Head of the service Valery Pikalev congratulated colleagues on the approaching New Year, stressing that “being a customs officer is not just a job — it is a calling”.
The address noted that 2025 was a landmark year for the country: alongside Victory Day commemorations, customs personnel worked to safeguard economic security, combat smuggling and protect national interests.
The first five-year stage of the FCS development strategy has been completed; the mission and priority goals were updated. The Head thanked staff for delivering tasks set by the President and Government of the Russian Federation.
Organisational and staffing reforms raised pay and social guarantees for four thousand officers; from 1 January 2026 average wages for the “workers” category in customs authorities will increase one and a half times.
Special thanks were given to officers on duty over the holidays, personnel taking part in the special military operation and veterans. In 2026 the customs service will mark the 35th anniversary of its establishment.
Pikalev wished staff and their families health, wellbeing and further professional success.
