The Chamber of Autodata Ghana has issued a formal appeal to the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to reconsider the October 1, 2026 deadline for enforcing new conformity requirements on imported used vehicles, a move that is sparking considerable concern amongst the industry’s stakeholders. The Chamber’s Executive Secretary, George Dumenu, made the call following a crucial stakeholder meeting with the GSA on Thursday, July 23, where importers of used vehicles sought clarification on the implementation of the new standards under the Ghana Automotive Development Policy (GADP).
The GADP, established in 2019, is designed to bolster Ghana’s local vehicle assembly industry by incentivizing vehicle assemblers while restricting certain categories of used vehicle imports. The policy mandates that all used vehicles entering the country must undergo conformity assessment before shipment, a requirement that has been a focal point of debate within the industry. Specifically, the policy prohibits the importation of vehicles older than 10 years, salvaged and flood-damaged vehicles, and imposes higher taxes on newer used vehicles to encourage the purchase of locally assembled brands such as Volkswagen, Nissan, Toyota, Suzuki, and Kia. These restrictions are intended to foster domestic vehicle production.
According to Mr. Dumenu, importers were informed that from October 1, 2026, all used vehicles entering the country must undergo conformity assessment before shipment. Under the current arrangement, importers are required to register with the GSA and obtain certification from an approved inspection company at an estimated cost of US$300 per vehicle. He warned that vehicles shipped without the required Certificate of Conformity could be rejected or returned from the exporting country. “If this policy begins to implement as it stands, it will be a very big blow to the industry,” Mr. Dumenu stated, emphasizing the limited time afforded to importers to prepare for the new regulations.
He argued that the timeline gives importers little room to prepare, particularly as formal stakeholder engagements began only recently. He explained that many vehicles imported by members of the Chamber are within the five-to-ten-year age range, and cautioned that additional restrictions, together with existing tax measures favoring locally assembled vehicles, could severely affect dealers. Specifically, he raised concerns about the impact on commercial transport, noting that trucks, tipper trucks, and buses used to transport food from farming communities to urban centres could be affected. According to Mr. Dumenu, many transport operators cannot afford new or locally assembled commercial vehicles, and limiting access to older but roadworthy vehicles could disrupt food distribution and contribute to higher prices. He further questioned aspects of the external inspection process, including concerns about the neutrality and nationality of some companies expected to carry out the US$300 verification. The Chamber is therefore calling on government to review the implementation timeline, reconsider the application of the policy to commercial vehicles, and develop a framework that supports local vehicle assembly without crippling the used vehicle import industry. The concerns relate to the Ghana Standards Authority’s EASYPASS Programme, which became mandatory for applicable imports on July 1, 2026, and is expected to fully cover imported used vehicles from October 1, 2026. The programme requires certain goods to undergo inspection before shipment to ensure compliance with Ghanaian and international standards. Imports that meet the requirements are issued Certificates of Conformity to support customs clearance while promoting consumer safety, environmental protection, and quality assurance. Mr. Dumenu said the Chamber remains committed to engaging the GSA and other government agencies to find a balanced solution before the October deadline.
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Source: Adom Online
