The Vehicle Import Dealers Association of Ghana has welcomed the Ghana Standards Authority's decision to suspend the implementation of the mandatory pre-shipment inspection policy for imported used vehicles. The policy was set to take effect from October 1, 2026, under the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity programme. The suspension was announced in a public notice dated October 5, 2026, signed by the Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority, Professor George Agyei.
The Vehicle Import Dealers Association of Ghana, led by its President, Humphrey Datsomor, expressed gratitude to the government, the Ghana Standards Authority, and other stakeholders who supported the suspension. The Association described the suspension as a "major milestone" and said it provides an opportunity for a thorough review of the policy and the development of a more appropriate implementation framework.
The Association clarified that it is not opposed to the objectives of the policy, particularly measures aimed at improving safety and standards within Ghana's automotive industry. However, it said it opposes an implementation model that, in its view, increases the cost of doing business, places additional burdens on local vehicle importers, and could affect trade.
The Association called for engagement among industry players, policymakers, and other stakeholders following the suspension. It said such discussions should focus on developing a framework that promotes local job creation, protects Ghana's foreign exchange reserves, and avoids unnecessary increases in the cost of doing business.
The Association further expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama and Professor George Agyei for their responsiveness to concerns raised by industry stakeholders. The Ghana Standards Authority's pre-shipment inspection policy requires imported used vehicles to undergo conformity checks before shipment to Ghana, with the Authority saying the broader initiative is intended to ensure imported vehicles meet Ghana's safety and technical standards.
Vehicle import dealers, shippers, and freight forwarders had previously called for the policy to be suspended or reconsidered and proposed that inspections instead be conducted at Ghana's ports of entry. With the implementation now suspended, the industry is calling for further consultations on the policy and its eventual framework.
The Ghana Standards Authority is yet to announce a new date for the implementation of the policy. The Vehicle Import Dealers Association of Ghana is hopeful that the suspension will lead to a more effective and efficient implementation of the policy that balances the needs of all stakeholders.
Key points
- The Vehicle Import Dealers Association of Ghana welcomes the suspension of the pre-shipment inspection policy.
- The policy was set to take effect from October 1, 2026, but has been suspended by the Ghana Standards Authority.
- The Association is calling for further consultations on the policy and its eventual framework.
