If nothing unexpected happens, the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) will begin enforcing the rule that all used automobiles imported into the nation must have a current Certificate of Conformance (CoC) from an authorized entity as of January 1, 2023.

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The vehicle's Certificate of Conformity (COC) is proof that it met all technical requirements for EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval at the time of manufacture (EC-WVTA).

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A car that has a COC has been homologated, and this certificate is recognized in the relevant jurisdiction.

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This means that a vehicle owner can register a specific car with a COC.

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The GSA states in a press statement copied to the B&FT: “The public – and more specifically, importers of used vehicles – must ensure that beginning 1st January 2023, all such cars shall be accompanied by a valid Certificate of Conformance (CoC) from an approved body”.

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The certificate, according to the GSA, must demonstrate conformance of the used vehicle to requirements of the Ghana Standard for used vehicles GS 4510:2022 Road vehicles – requirements for imported used motor vehicles.

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The GSA indicated that the directive is in line with the Customs (Amendment) Act 2020, Section 61 of Act 891 amended and related legislation.

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Accordingly, the Authority explained that enforcement of this aspect of the law will ensure improved safety, quality and asset value of used vehicles imported into Ghana, while sustaining the value chain of the used vehicle industry.

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It says a Certificate of Conformance can be obtained from approved third-party inspection bodies or through trained and licenced used vehicle dealerships.

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The statement noted that an updated list of approved inspection bodies and licenced used vehicle dealerships with contact details will be provided on the Authority’s website.

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“The Authority wishes to take this opportunity to remind all importers and assemblers of new vehicles to register with the Authority and ensure that vehicle models imported or assembled are homologated (certified) by the Authority, in line with the relevant Ghana Standards for new vehicles of categories M1 (Passenger cars and SUVs), M2 (Minibuses) and N1 (Pickups and cargo vans,” the statement said.

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The statement further states that new vehicles of models not homologated (certified) by the Authority shall not be permitted importation from 1st January 2023.

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