The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) will begin enforcing the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme for vehicle imports from October 1, 2026, effectively prohibiting the importation of used vehicles that are more than 10 years old.
Under the programme, all used vehicles destined for Ghana must comply with GS 4510, the national standard governing the importation of used vehicles, before they are shipped from their countries of origin.
In addition to banning over-aged vehicles, the standard prohibits the importation of originally manufactured right-hand-drive vehicles, vehicles assembled from spare parts, and vehicles that do not have speedometers calibrated in kilometres per hour.
The GSA said the PVoC programme is intended to prevent the importation of substandard and unsafe vehicles, ensure compliance with Ghana’s safety and environmental requirements, improve the traceability of imported vehicles, and protect consumers and the environment.
Speaking to journalists after a stakeholder engagement, the Deputy Director-General in charge of General Services at the GSA, Samuel Abdulai Jabanyite, said the initiative now enjoys the support of key stakeholders who had previously opposed its implementation.
He explained that the programme forms part of broader efforts to improve road safety and reduce road traffic crashes by ensuring that only vehicles that meet Ghana’s prescribed standards are allowed into the country.
Mr. Jabanyite also stressed the importance of strengthening environmental management through policies that promote responsible disposal and recycling of waste generated from imported products. He called for stronger product liability provisions and greater responsibility among importers and manufacturers to ensure that products entering the country do not become an environmental burden.
According to him, the new enforcement regime aligns with the mandate of the Ghana Standards Authority to protect lives, property and consumers by ensuring that imported products meet established quality and safety standards.
He added that the implementation of the programme would help create a fair and competitive environment for industry players while positioning Ghana as a regional leader in standards enforcement and quality assurance.
The GSA has urged importers, exporters and other stakeholders in the automotive supply chain to comply with the new requirements ahead of the October 1 enforcement date to avoid disruptions to their imports.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
