Central African Republic

Is Hemp Legal in Central African Republic?

Status

Illegal

Covers

Hemp (General)

Jurisdiction

Independent Country

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

All countries

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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