GSA bans import of used vehicles over 10 years from October 1
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has announced that it will begin enforcing its Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme for imported vehicles on October 1, 2026.
The initiative requires all used vehicles destined for Ghana to be inspected and certified as compliant with the country’s GS 4510 standard before they are shipped from their country of origin.
The programme is intended to prevent the importation of unsafe and substandard vehicles, improve compliance with Ghana’s safety and environmental regulations, enhance the traceability of imported vehicles, and better protect consumers and the environment.
Under the GS 4510 standard, vehicles with significant structural or safety defects will not be allowed into the country. This includes vehicles damaged by flooding or fire, as well as those with compromised chassis or safety cages, such as cracked, bent or twisted frames.
The standard also bans the importation of factory-built right-hand-drive vehicles, vehicles assembled from spare parts, vehicles whose speedometers do not display kilometres per hour, and used vehicles that are more than 10 years old.
The GSA believes the PVoC programme will improve the quality and safety of imported vehicles, offer better value for consumers, and strengthen regulation of the automotive sector.
The authority also expects the initiative to help formalise the used-vehicle market, improve access to vehicle financing and boost investor confidence in the industry.
Speaking after a stakeholder engagement, the GSA’s Deputy Director-General for General Services, Samuel Abdulai Jabanyite, said the programme now enjoys the support of stakeholders who had previously opposed its introduction.
He explained that the policy is aimed at stopping Ghana from becoming a destination for unsafe and discarded vehicles while helping to reduce road crashes and environmental pollution.
According to him, although vehicles that have suffered extensive flood or fire damage will be prohibited, those with repairable defects that can be restored to safe operating condition may still be approved after inspection. He added that accredited third-party inspectors have the expertise to carry out the required assessments.
In addition to the PVoC programme, the GSA plans to introduce the Vehicle Dealer Information System (VEDIS), a digital platform designed to detect and prevent the importation and registration of stolen vehicles.
Mr Jabanyite explained that VEDIS will connect databases from institutions including the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), insurance companies, Interpol, National Security and the GSA, allowing real-time information sharing to verify vehicle status and ensure only legally acquired and roadworthy vehicles enter the country.
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