Used vehicle dealers urge gov't to review October deadline for new import regulation

The Chamber of Autodata Ghana appealed to the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to reconsider the October 1, 2026 deadline for enforcing new conformity requirements on imported used vehicles, warning that the policy could threaten businesses and increase transportation costs. George Dumenu, the Chamber's Executive Secretary, made the call after a stakeholder meeting with the GSA on Thursday, July 23, where used vehicle importers sought clarity on the implementation of new standards under the Ghana Automotive Development Policy (GADP).

The GADP, introduced in 2019, seeks to promote Ghana's local vehicle assembly industry by providing incentives to vehicle assemblers while restricting certain categories of used vehicle imports. The policy bans the importation of vehicles older than 10 years, salvaged and flood-damaged vehicles, and imposes higher taxes on some newer used vehicles. Importers were informed that from October 1, 2026, all used vehicles entering the country must undergo conformity assessment before shipment. This requires importers to register with the GSA and obtain certification from an approved inspection company at an estimated cost of US$300 per vehicle. Mr. Dumenu warned that vehicles shipped without the required Certificate of Conformity could be rejected or returned from the exporting country, stating, "If this policy begins to implement as it stands, it will be a very big blow to the industry." He argued that the timeline gives importers little room to prepare, especially as formal stakeholder engagements began only recently.