Central African Republic
Is Hemp Legal in Central African Republic?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
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.
Key facts ·
Central African Republic
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
No legal hemp threshold
Regulator
Ministere de l'Agriculture et du Developpement Rural; OCRB
Key regulation
Law No. 97.003 of 21 January 1997 on drugs and psychotropic substances
Effective
January 21, 1997
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Illegal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
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.
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