Ghana to tighten rules on used vehicle imports from October 2026
Ghana will begin strict enforcement of new vehicle import standards from October 2026, with authorities warning that unsafe, heavily damaged and non-compliant used cars will be refused entry. The Ghana Standards Authority says the move is aimed at improving road safety, reducing pollution and protecting consumers, not banning second-hand vehicles.
Ghana is set to introduce tougher checks on imported used vehicles from 1 October 2026, as part of efforts to stop unsafe and environmentally harmful cars from entering the country.
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) says the enforcement of the National Vehicle Homologation and Conformity Assessment Programme will require all imported used vehicles to meet national safety, quality and environmental standards before they can be cleared.
The authority stressed that the move does not amount to a ban on used vehicle imports, but is intended to ensure that only vehicles that meet approved standards are allowed into Ghana.
“Vehicles that fail to meet the requirements will not be permitted entry on arrival,” the GSA said in a public notice issued on August 5.
Which vehicles could be rejected?
Under the new requirements, several categories of vehicles may be denied entry into Ghana.
These include:
• Vehicles older than 10 years from the date of manufacture — meaning cars manufactured before around 2016
may be affected when enforcement begins in late 2026.
• Salvaged vehicles with major damage, including cars that have been flooded, submerged in water, burnt or suffered serious structural damage.
• Vehicles with damaged chassis or safety structures, including broken, cracked, bent or twisted frames.
• Vehicles originally manufactured as right-hand drive, such as some models produced for markets where vehicles are driven on the left side of the road.
• Vehicles assembled from spare parts rather than manufactured as complete units.
• Vehicles without speedometers calibrated to display kilometres per hour.
The GSA said minor cosmetic damage or repairs may not automatically disqualify a vehicle, provided it remains safe and roadworthy.
Why Ghana is introducing the changes
The GSA said the programme is designed to protect motorists from unsafe vehicles and improve standards in the country’s automotive sector.
It aims to:
• reduce road accidents linked to poorly maintained vehicles;
• prevent the importation of heavily damaged cars;
• limit pollution from vehicles that do not meet emissions requirements;
• improve consumer protection and vehicle traceability.
The authority said all imported vehicles must comply with Ghana Standard 4510:2022, which outlines requirements for used vehicle imports.
New “No Certificate, No Entry” requirement
From October 2026, importers will be required to obtain a Certificate of Conformance (CoC) before vehicles are shipped to Ghana.
The certificate will confirm that a vehicle has passed approved inspections and meets Ghana’s standards.
The GSA says vehicles without a valid CoC will not be cleared — a policy described as “No CoC, No Entry.”
The inspection process will include checks on:
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN);
• brakes, steering and safety systems;
• airbags and seatbelts where applicable;
• lighting systems and mirrors;
• tyres and vehicle structure;
• emissions standards;
• accident and flood history.
How importers will be affected
Vehicle importers, dealers and distributors will be required to register with the GSA and ensure vehicles are inspected before shipment.
The process will involve:
1. Registration
Importers and dealers must register with the Ghana Standards Authority and comply with approved procedures.
2. Pre-shipment inspection
Vehicles will undergo inspection in the exporting country by GSA-approved inspection bodies.
3. Certification
A Certificate of Conformance will be issued if the vehicle meets the required standards.
4. Arrival and clearance
Vehicles arriving in Ghana will be verified by authorities before they can be cleared.
Impact on Ghana’s used car market
Ghana is one of West Africa’s major destinations for imported second-hand vehicles, with thousands of cars arriving annually through ports including Tema.
The used vehicle industry supports many jobs, including importers, mechanics, spare parts dealers and transport operators.
However, concerns have grown over the number of old and damaged vehicles entering the country, with road safety campaigners warning that some imported cars pose risks to motorists and passengers.
The government says the new standards are intended to improve the quality of vehicles on Ghanaian roads while allowing compliant used cars to continue entering the market.
What buyers should know
The GSA is advising prospective buyers and importers to:
• check that vehicles meet the 10-year age requirement;
• verify vehicle history before purchase;
• request valid conformity certificates;
• avoid cars with major accident or flood damage;
• use approved inspection channels.
The authority has urged stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the requirements before importing vehicles to avoid losses.
The National Vehicle Homologation and Conformity Assessment Programme has been operating since 2020, but the GSA says full enforcement of the standards will begin on 1 October 2026.