History

The Medal of Merit for the Customs Service was established by the Council of Ministers in 1974. It was awarded to customs agents and other personnel for meritorious service to the Polish Customs Service. Recognised actions included the prevention of the illegal transport of confidential state materials, and the protection of foreign exchange, Polish culture, wildlife, and human health through the enforcement of laws and border protection. It was suppressed in 1990 following the collapse of the communist regime, but a similar award was instituted by the Republic of Poland in 1997.

The I Class Medal features initials on the obverse that stand for "Polska Rzeczpospolita Ludowa" (Polish People's Republic) and an additional inscription that translates to "For Merit in Customs."