The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) will ban the importation of used vehicles more than 15 years old from October 1, 2026, under a revised framework for enforcing national vehicle standards.
The new age limit replaces an earlier proposal that would have barred used vehicles more than 10 years old from entering Ghana from the same date.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 14, the GSA said the revised framework followed extensive consultations with stakeholders and forms part of the implementation of Ghana Standards for imported used vehicles.
The Authority said certain vehicles “shall be prohibited from importation into Ghana”. These include vehicles that have been submerged in water or damaged by floods, burnt or damaged by fire, or have broken, cracked, bent or twisted chassis or safety cages.
Vehicles assembled from spare parts, those without speedometers displaying readings in kilometres per hour, and vehicles more than 15 years old will also be banned.
From October 1, importers, distributors and dealers will have to ensure that used vehicles meet Ghanaian standards before they are shipped to the country.
All used vehicles must be inspected in their country of origin by a GSA-approved third-party inspection body.
The body will issue a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) confirming that the vehicle meets the required Ghanaian standards.
“Vehicles that do not meet the prescribed requirements will not be permitted for importation into the country on arrival,” the GSA warned.
The Authority also requires new vehicle manufacturers and assemblers to register with the GSA, while new vehicle models must undergo homologation before importation.
Relevant businesses must also register with the GSA’s Vehicle Homologation Unit.
The revised 15-year limit gives importers more flexibility than the earlier 10-year proposal, but the new system will place greater responsibility on them to verify a vehicle’s age, condition and compliance before shipment.
For consumers, the policy could improve vehicle safety and quality by keeping severely damaged, structurally unsafe and excessively old vehicles off the market.
It could also reduce the risk of buyers paying for vehicles that cannot be cleared at Ghanaian ports.
However, stricter inspections and certification could narrow the pool of eligible vehicles and increase sourcing costs for dealers.
The GSA clarified that the new rules will not affect vehicles shipped before October 1, even if they arrive after the enforcement date.
Vehicles already shipped and in Ghana before October 1 will also be exempt.
The Authority urged stakeholders to “familiarise themselves with the applicable requirements” and take the necessary steps to comply before importing vehicles.
