The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) will begin enforcing its Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme for used vehicle imports on 1 October 2026.

The programme requires all used vehicles destined for Ghana to comply with GS 4510, the national standard governing the importation of used vehicles, before they are shipped from their countries of origin.

According to the GSA, the initiative is aimed at preventing the importation of substandard and unsafe vehicles, improving compliance with Ghana’s safety and environmental standards, enhancing vehicle traceability and protecting consumers.

Under the standard, vehicles with major damage will not be allowed into the country.

These include flood-damaged vehicles, those that have been submerged in water, burnt vehicles, and vehicles with damaged chassis or safety cages, including broken, cracked, bent or twisted structural components.

The standard also prohibits the importation of originally manufactured right-hand-drive vehicles, vehicles assembled from spare parts, vehicles without speedometers calibrated in kilometres per hour, and vehicles more than 10 years old.

The GSA said the programme is expected to improve the quality and safety of imported vehicles, provide better value for consumers and strengthen regulation of Ghana’s automotive market.

The Authority also believes the initiative will support the formalisation of the used vehicle industry, improve access to vehicle financing and boost investor confidence.

Deputy Director-General for General Services at the GSA, Samuel Abdulai Jabanyite, said the programme now has the support of stakeholders who had previously opposed its implementation.

He said the measure would help prevent Ghana from becoming a destination for unsafe vehicles while reducing road crashes and environmental risks.

“We are trying to plug a major loophole so that Ghana does not become a dumping ground for unsafe vehicles that endanger lives and the environment,” he said.

Jabanyite explained that while severely damaged vehicles would be rejected, vehicles with defects that can be repaired to meet roadworthiness standards would still be considered for import after inspection by accredited third-party inspectors.

The GSA also announced plans to introduce the Vehicle Dealer Information System (VEDIS) to help detect and prevent the importation and registration of stolen vehicles.

According to Jabanyite, VEDIS will integrate information from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), insurance companies, Interpol, National Security and the GSA to enable real-time verification of vehicle records before registration.

He said the system would improve vehicle traceability and help ensure that only legally imported and roadworthy vehicles are registered in Ghana.