Imported used vehicles coming into Ghana from October 2026 must be 2016 models or newer, left-hand drive and free from major accident or flood damage, as part of new standards introduced by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA).

The requirements are contained in the GS 4510:2022 standard for the pre-shipment inspection of used vehicles, which will be fully enforced from October 1, 2026.

Under the new regulation, outlined in a statement released by the GSA on August 5, 2026, all used vehicles shipped into the country must undergo seven mandatory checks and obtain a Certificate of Conformance (CoC) before they can be cleared for entry.

The checks will cover vehicle identification number (VIN) verification, valid documentation, safety conditions, including functional airbags and brakes, compliance with minimum Euro 2 emission standards, and confirmation that the vehicle has no major accident or flood history.

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The GSA said the “No CoC, No Entry” policy is aimed at preventing the importation of unsafe vehicles and protecting buyers from cars with hidden defects, such as tampered mileage, faulty engines and costly repair issues.

The authority, in collaboration with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, vehicle importers and other stakeholders, said the new measure would ensure that only vehicles that meet the required safety and environmental standards are allowed onto Ghana’s roads.

The implementation of the standard is also expected to improve road safety by preventing vehicles with dangerous defects, worn-out tyres and faulty safety systems from entering the country.

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The GSA added that enforcing emission requirements under the standard would help reduce vehicle pollution and support efforts to improve air quality in urban areas.

It has urged prospective vehicle buyers to demand a Certificate of Conformance before making payments, reject vehicles older than 2016 models and report suspected fake certificates ahead of the October 2026 enforcement date.

DR/MA