The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has announced that used vehicles more than 15 years old will no longer be permitted into Ghana from October 1, 2026.

The directive forms part of the enforcement of the National Vehicle Homologation and Conformity Assessment Programme and Ghana Standard GS 4510:2022, which specifies the requirements for importing used vehicles into the country.

According to a public notice issued by the Authority on August 14, 2026, the 15-year age limit replaces an earlier proposal to prohibit the importation of vehicles more than 10 years old. The revised threshold followed extensive consultations with vehicle importers, dealers and other industry stakeholders.

Under the new arrangement, every used vehicle destined for Ghana must undergo inspection in its country of origin before shipment. The inspection must be conducted by a third-party body approved by the GSA.

Vehicles that satisfy the required safety and quality standards will be issued a Certificate of Conformity. Without a valid certificate, a vehicle will not be allowed to enter Ghana.

The directive prohibits the importation of vehicles that are more than 15 years old from their date of manufacture. Flood-damaged, submerged, burnt or fire-damaged vehicles will also be denied entry.

Vehicles with broken, cracked, bent or twisted chassis or safety cages are similarly prohibited. The restriction also covers vehicles assembled from spare parts instead of being manufactured as complete units, originally manufactured right-hand-drive vehicles and vehicles without speedometers displaying kilometres per hour.

The GSA has clarified that the policy is not a total ban on used vehicles. It is intended to ensure that imported vehicles meet acceptable safety, quality and environmental standards.

“Vehicles that do not meet the prescribed requirements will not be permitted for importation into the country on arrival,” the Authority warned.

Vehicles shipped before October 1, 2026, will not be affected by the directive, even if they arrive in Ghana after the enforcement date. However, all used vehicles shipped from October 1 must obtain a valid Certificate of Conformity before leaving the exporting country.

The policy is expected to protect consumers from unsafe and substandard vehicles, improve road safety and reduce the environmental effects of ageing vehicles. It is also aimed at preventing Ghana from becoming a destination for obsolete vehicles and automotive waste.

The GSA has consequently advised vehicle importers, distributors and dealers to register with the Authority and familiarise themselves with the requirements before arranging shipments.

With used vehicles accounting for a substantial proportion of Ghana’s automobile imports, the directive is expected to have a major effect on the market. Although it could increase the cost of some vehicles in the short term, supporters believe it will improve the overall safety and quality of vehicles on Ghanaian roads.