The article describes the contribution of customs to the implementation of sustainable development goals included in the UN 2030 Agenda. The paper presents the historical outline of the sustainable development concept and explains how basic tasks performed by customs contribute to the achievement of these goals. World Customs Organization plays an important role in activities for sustainable development, especially its numerous political and practical initiatives, including international operations of customs services aimed at combating environmental crime. The article analyzes also the EU customs regulations and activities of the EU Member States’ customs services. The decisive role of customs in controlling the compliance with the sustainable development requirements related to international trade in goods as well as a need for wider cooperation with other control services and business is emphasized.