Vehicle Importers, Shippers Push GSA to Rethink New PVoC Rules

The Vehicle Import Dealers Association of Ghana, together with shippers and freight forwarders, has called on the Ghana Standards Authority to pause the newly introduced Pre-Export Verification of Conformity programme for used vehicles. The group argues that the policy could reshape how cars are imported and could strain businesses that rely on the automotive trade. Implementation of the new regime began on October 1, 2026, and obliges every used vehicle destined for Ghana to undergo conformity verification before it leaves the exporting country. The Ghana Standards Authority says the programme is meant to raise road safety, protect consumers and keep non‑conforming vehicles out of the Ghanaian market. Nevertheless, the stakeholders say the rollout has been rushed and that the current inspection process creates uncertainty for exporters and shipping firms. They propose that the Ghana Standards Authority conduct inspections at Ghana’s ports of entry instead of requiring verification abroad. To realise this, they want the Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism to mediate between the regulator and industry players. Industry representatives say port‑based checks would let the GSA assess vehicles on arrival and foster closer interaction with importers, shippers and freight forwarders. Their objection is not to safety standards but to the timing, procedural steps and mandatory pre‑shipment inspections. The concerns also echo from shipping operators based in the United States, where vehicles bound for Ghana must now meet the conformity requirements before departure. U.S. shippers say the new rule has introduced delays and uncertainty, especially when the required verification has not been completed. The shift moves a key compliance step from Ghana’s ports to the country of origin, which could hinder some exporters from loading vehicles until certification is secured. Stakeholders say this could affect the volume of vehicles imported and the broader automotive trade in Ghana. The Vehicle Import Dealers Association warns that without careful review, some businesses may struggle to continue operating. Consequently, the players are urging a balanced approach that safeguards consumers and enforces safety standards while accommodating the logistical realities of importers, freight forwarders and international shippers. They also seek clearer guidance on the inspection process, certification requirements and how the programme will be applied across different vehicle‑exporting countries. The Ghana Standards Authority maintains that the PVoC programme ensures imported vehicles meet Ghana’s applicable standards before shipment. Under the programme, used vehicles must demonstrate conformity through a prescribed verification and certification process. The Authority says the system will block non‑conforming vehicles and strengthen consumer protection. It has partnered with designated inspection agencies to carry out pre‑shipment inspections and issue Certificates of Conformity for vehicles exported to Ghana. Despite this stance, industry groups continue to call for further dialogue before the system becomes permanent. They are urging Parliament, the Ghana Standards Authority and other relevant bodies to engage vehicle importers, dealers, shippers and freight forwarders to address the concerns surrounding the programme. Their aim, they stress, is not to weaken safety standards but to make the conformity assessment regime practical, transparent and free of unnecessary disruption to the vehicle importation and shipping sector. Moving forward, the industry says it will keep pushing for continued discussions and for a framework that balances safety, compliance and the operational needs of Ghana’s vehicle trade.