Ghana: pre-shipment inspection for used vehicles from October
From 1 October 2026, the Ghana Standards Authority is requiring a conformity certificate issued before shipment for every used vehicle imported. Vehicles older than 15 years will be refused entry, regardless of origin.
Published · Updated
Through public notice GSA/DGS/PN/26/09, dated 14 August 2026, the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) announced that, from 1 October 2026, every used vehicle imported into Ghana must hold a Certificate of Conformance issued by an inspection body accredited by the GSA in the country of origin, before shipment.
This check falls under the PVoC (Pre-Export Verification of Conformity) programme, already used by the GSA for other categories of goods, but its application to used vehicles is being tightened: vehicles older than 15 years will be refused entry at port, with inspection now taking place before loading rather than only on arrival. This measure is in addition to the ageing penalty already applied by Ghanaian customs on vehicles older than 10 years, which remains a tax rather than a ban.
The measure takes effect on 1 October 2026. Vehicles already shipped before that date remain subject to the previous regime even if they arrive at port after 1 October, based on the shipment date rather than the arrival date.
Ghanaian importers and dealers of used vehicles are affected, as are inspection bodies accredited by the GSA in exporting countries. This measure does not affect new vehicles and changes nothing for an importer of general merchandise, electronics, furniture or textiles, who has no vehicle-specific PVoC process to follow.
What it changes for an importer
Sorva does not arrange vehicle exports from China: exporting new or used vehicles from China requires an accredited exporter licence issued by China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), which Sorva neither holds nor claims to hold. What we track for our Ghanaian clients importing other categories of goods is the underlying trend: the GSA is extending pre-shipment inspection rather than inspection on arrival, a shift worth watching should PVoC be extended to other product families.
The certifications your country requires
In US dollars, on quotation, added to the same core service.
West and Central Africa Mandatory pre-shipment inspection
On quotationIn US dollars
Several West and Central African countries require a pre-shipment inspection by a government-appointed body, such as Bureau Veritas (BIVAC), Cotecna or SGS depending on the country, which issues the certificate required for customs clearance.
- Identification of the appointed body for your country
- Pro forma invoice and packing list prepared with the factory
- Factory access and goods ready on inspection day
- Our own check before the inspector arrives
Importing from China?
Tell us what you want to buy. Our team answers on WhatsApp with the factories, the lead times and the documents your country asks for.
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