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The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) is implementing mandatory conformity assessment requirements for vehicles assembled, manufactured and imported into Ghana, to make sure they comply with applicable Ghana Standards and regulatory requirements.

Used vehicles imported into Ghana, including two-, three- and four-or-more-wheelers. A vehicle is used if it was previously owned and registered, is more than 12 months from manufacture, and has more than 1,500 km. GVPIC inspects used vehicles only.

Individuals importing vehicles for personal use, and businesses and commercial importers of used vehicles (distributors and dealers).

Used vehicles go through Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC): a GSA-approved third-party inspection body inspects the vehicle in the exporting country against GS 4510 and issues a Certificate of Conformance (CoC) that travels with the export documents. The CoC and vehicle are verified at every entry point.

The requirements apply to all used vehicles shipped on or after 1 October 2026.

Vehicles shipped before 1 October 2026 are not affected, even if they arrive in Ghana after that date. Vehicles already in Ghana before the implementation date are also exempt.

A used vehicle has been previously owned and registered, is more than twelve months from its date of manufacture, and has more than 1,500 km on the odometer. Any other vehicle is treated as new.

Salvaged vehicles with major damage (flood or submersion, fire, parts or scrap only or designated for dismantling, chassis or safety-cage damage); vehicles over fifteen years old; vehicles assembled from spare parts; and vehicles without km/h speedometer readings.

Register as a vehicle importer with GSA, then book a GSA-approved third-party inspection body (TPIB) in the country of origin. The TPIB inspects the vehicle before shipment, issues a CoC and approval sticker, and uploads the data to VEDIS. GSA verifies the CoC electronically at the Ghana port for release.

The Vehicle and Dealership Information System — an electronic platform hosted by the managers of ICUMS, through which GSA regulates vehicle and dealership compliance. It holds a registry of vehicle imports and importers, including registered dealerships (published on the GSA website). Inspection bodies upload CoCs to VEDIS for verification at entry. It also records vehicle condition and damage history at export, available to the public on request.

Any individual importing for personal use, any entity importing for use in its business, and any entity importing for sale.

Download the application form from www.gsa.gov.gh, request it by email from auto@gsa.gov.gh, or pick one up at any GSA office.

GSA provides contact details of recognised and approved inspection bodies once you register as a vehicle importer.

Consumer protection, safer roads, a higher-quality national fleet, support for local assembly and authorised dealers, published lists of compliant dealerships, better vehicle security and traceability, lower emissions, fair trade between importers, and alignment with international practice.

Yes. The programme does not replace existing statutory requirements. Importers must still comply with all customs, port, licensing and other legal requirements.

Contact the Ghana Standards Authority — email auto@gsa.gov.gh, phone 030 398 0177.