Is Hemp Legal in Central African Republic?
May 29, 2026
Hemp is illegal in CAR under Law 97.003. No licensing regime exists; active conflict zones add significant operational risk.
Hemp is illegal in CAR under Law 97.003. No licensing regime exists; active conflict zones add significant operational risk.
Industrial hemp is illegal in the Central African Republic. Law No. 97.003 does not distinguish between psychoactive cannabis and low-THC hemp, and the Ministere de l'Agriculture et du Developpement Rural has not registered hemp as a permitted crop. No licensing framework or seed register exists.
Hemp seeds, fibre, hurd, biomass, and finished products are treated as stupefiants by the Direction Generale des Douanes. Ongoing armed conflict across the country has prevented any reform of the colonial-era and 1997 narcotics framework. Importers should expect refusal at Bangui M'Poko International Airport. Travelers should also consult current security advisories from their foreign ministry before planning movement of any goods.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.
Illegal
Ministere de l'Agriculture et du Developpement Rural; OCRB
No legal hemp threshold
Law No. 97.003 of 21 January 1997 on drugs and psychotropic substances
Import and export of hemp seed, fibre, biomass, and finished hemp products are prohibited. Customs treats hemp shipments as stupefiants. No commercial cultivation licenses are issued. Active conflict zones add operational risk.
