Ghana Standards Authority bans used vehicle imports over 10 years

The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) announced that, beginning 1 October 2026, the national automotive standard GS 4510:2022 will be fully enforced. The rule bars second‑hand motor vehicles older than ten years from entering Ghana and requires a mandatory Pre‑Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) certificate before ships can load such cars at ports such as Tema and Takoradi. The measure targets salvage, flood‑damaged, right‑hand‑drive and spare‑parts vehicles, aiming to curb hazardous, polluting cars that contribute to high road‑fatality rates and air‑quality problems. About 90 % of vehicles on Ghanaian roads are used imports, so the policy represents a major shift for buyers, importers, shipping agencies and local dealers.

Commentators note that while the age limit is easy to administer, vehicle condition also matters. They call for detailed inspections to identify structural damage, flood exposure and tampered identifiers, and suggest exemptions for classic or special‑interest cars. The GSA stresses that the ban is intended to protect consumers, improve road safety and encourage local vehicle assembly, aligning Ghana with broader climate and health goals.