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2026-10-12 | Zoyutrek
If you are a Ghana used car importer or dealer, it is critical to understand Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) import rules before shipping used vehicles to Ghana. Ghana’s second-hand car market is large, but all used cars must pass inspection and meet official standards to clear customs at Tema port. This article covers vehicle requirements, prohibited cars, documents, tax information and practical advice for Ghanaian dealers and importers.
This article is written specifically for:
• Ghana used car importers
• Local used vehicle dealers in Accra, Kumasi and other Ghana cities
• Car wholesale buyers who import second-hand cars from overseas
• Business owners planning to start a used car dealership in Ghana
According to the latest GSA policy effective from October 2026, used vehicles older than 15 years are prohibited for import into Ghana. Importers and dealers must check the manufacture year before buying any stock for the Ghana market.
The following vehicles are banned from entering Ghana:
• Flood-damaged or water-submerged vehicles
• Burnt cars or accident salvage vehicles
• Cars with broken, bent or cracked chassis
• Cars assembled from spare parts
• Right-hand drive vehicles originally made for other markets
• Vehicles without km/h calibrated speedometer
All used cars shipped to Ghana need Pre-export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) inspection in the country of origin, and must obtain the Certificate of Conformance (CoC) from approved inspection bodies before shipment. Without valid CoC documents, vehicles will be rejected at Ghana ports.
Used car importers and dealers should calculate the total landed cost before purchase. The import duty is calculated based on the CIF value (cost + insurance + freight, the customs dutiable value). Additional VAT and other government levies also apply. It is recommended to confirm the latest tariff rules with Ghana customs or your local clearing agent before placing large orders.
Check manufacture year, chassis condition, steering type and speedometer first, only pick vehicles that meet Ghana standards.
Book inspection with GSA-approved third-party inspectors and get CoC certificate.
Prepare invoice, export documents, vehicle registration papers and other required files.
Work with a local customs clearing agent to complete customs clearance after the vessel arrives at Tema port.
Many Ghanaian dealers mainly import durable, low-maintenance vehicles:
• Toyota Corolla
• Toyota Camry
• Honda Civic
• Nissan pickup trucks
• Other reliable SUVs and commercial vans
• Always verify vehicle history before shipment to avoid accident or flood cars
• Double-check all paperwork, especially the CoC certificate
• Keep close communication with your overseas car supplier
• Update yourself quickly whenever GSA releases new vehicle import policies
• Work with trusted local clearing agents to reduce clearance delays
For Ghana importers and dealers, compliance with GSA used car standards is the most important part of the used car import business. If vehicles do not meet the official requirements, they may be refused entry and cause heavy financial losses. Always check the latest rules before buying and shipping used cars to Ghana.
A：Yes, according to current GSA rules, vehicles not older than 15 years are allowed, but they still need to pass inspection and get the CoC certificate.
A：Yes, almost all imported used motor vehicles must have the valid Certificate of Conformance.
A：Most overseas used vehicles arrive at Tema Port.