Ghana to enforce new used car import restrictions

In late July 2026, Ghana’s Standards Authority announced that, starting 1 October, all used-vehicle imports will be subject to a Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) and must meet national standard GS 4510. The rules prohibit right-hand-drive models, cars older than ten years, vehicles assembled from spare parts, and any that have suffered major structural damage such as flooding or fire. The measure is presented as a way to curb road crashes, reduce pollution, prevent Ghana from becoming a dumping ground for substandard cars, and to boost consumer protection and investor confidence.

A few days later, the authority reiterated the upcoming enforcement, specifying that the age limit and PVoC requirement will apply at major ports like Tema and Takoradi. Commentators noted that while the ten-year cut-off is easy to enforce, detailed inspections are needed to identify flood-damaged or tampered vehicles, and suggested possible exemptions for classic or special-interest cars. The policy is framed as part of broader climate, health and local-assembly goals.

By mid-August, new details emerged regarding compliance. Importers and dealers must register with the GSA Vehicle Homologation Unit, and vehicles must be inspected in their country of origin by a GSA-approved company to obtain a Certificate of Conformance. While earlier reports cited a ten-year age limit, subsequent information indicated a prohibition on vehicles older than 15 years. Vehicles already in the country or shipped before the October deadline will be exempt. Additionally, the regulations mandate that speedometers must display speed in kilometers per hour. Amid these changes, academic experts have urged a strategic shift toward local vehicle assembly and manufacturing to boost the economy.