Accra, October 3, 2026 – The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has started enforcing new rules that stop used vehicles older than 15 years from entering the country. The rules took effect on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The age limit is one part of the GSA’s National Vehicle Homologation and Conformity Assessment Programme. Under the programme, every used vehicle shipped to Ghana must meet Ghana Standard GS 4510:2022, Road Vehicles – Requirements for Imported Used Motor Vehicles. The GSA says the aim is to strengthen vehicle safety, quality control and consumer protection.
What Importers and Car Buyers Need to Know on GSA Ban of Over-15-Year-Old Vehicles
What is now banned
Under the new regime, the following vehicles will not be allowed in when they arrive at Ghana’s ports:
- Used vehicles more than 15 years old
- Flood-damaged or fire-damaged vehicles
- Vehicles with structural or safety-related damage, such as a cracked or bent chassis
- Salvage vehicles and vehicles rebuilt from spare parts
- Vehicles without a speedometer, or with a speedometer that does not show kilometres per hour
New steps before shipment
Importers now have to do more before a car leaves its port of origin:
- Inspection abroad: Every used vehicle must be inspected in its country of origin by an inspection body approved by the GSA.
- Certificate of Conformity (CoC): A CoC must be issued before the vehicle is shipped. Industry players estimate it costs about US$300 per vehicle.
- Registration: Importers, distributors, dealers, manufacturers and assemblers must all register with the GSA’s Vehicle Homologation Unit.
- Homologation: New vehicle models need GSA approval before they are shipped.
Who is exempt
The GSA says vehicles shipped before October 1, 2026 are exempt, even if they arrive in Ghana after that date. Vehicles that were already in the country before the deadline are also exempt.
“Not a ban on used cars,” says GSA
The Authority has rejected claims that it has banned used cars.
“This does not constitute a ban on the importation of used vehicles,” the GSA said in an earlier clarification. “The Ghana Standards Authority encourages all stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the applicable requirements and take the necessary steps to ensure compliance before importing vehicles into Ghana.”
Dealers and think tank push back
Some parts of the industry have opposed the policy.
The Chamber of Automobile Dealers Ghana wants the October 1 start date reviewed. It also wants the rules reconsidered for commercial vehicles. Its Executive Secretary, George Dumenu, warned that “if this policy begins to implement as it stands, it will be a very big blow to the industry.” He argued that many transport operators cannot afford new or locally assembled commercial vehicles.
Policy think tank IMANI Africa has also criticised the age cap. IMANI associate Kay Codjoe asked: “If a 16-year-old vehicle is roadworthy, properly maintained and emissions compliant, why should it be rejected while a younger but poorly maintained vehicle may still qualify?” IMANI says Parliament’s Customs (Amendment) Act set a 10-year benchmark, but the 15-year rule was introduced without a Legislative Instrument. It also warns the policy could push car ownership out of reach for ordinary Ghanaians and, in the end, keep older cars on the roads for longer.
What it means for you
If you plan to buy a car from abroad, check the manufacture year before you pay. Then make sure your shipper or agent arranges the GSA-approved inspection and Certificate of Conformity before the car is loaded. Cars that arrive without the right papers, or that fail the age and condition rules, will not be cleared.
GhanaTrends will keep following how the new rules are being enforced at the ports.
