Cote d'Ivoire
Is Hemp Legal in Cote d'Ivoire?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Industrial hemp is illegal in Cote d'Ivoire. Law No. 88-686 makes no distinction between psychoactive cannabis and low-THC industrial hemp. The Ministere de l'Agriculture et du Developpement Rural has not registered hemp as a permitted crop, and no licensing framework or seed certification programme exists.
Hemp seeds, fibre, hurd, biomass, and finished products are treated as narcotics by Customs. There is no pilot programme for hemp textile, paper, or construction applications. Reform consultation around export-oriented hemp has been raised by industry associations, but no draft legislation has been deposited with the National Assembly as of 2026. Importers should expect refusal at the Port of Abidjan and the Port of San Pedro.
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 ·
Cote d'Ivoire
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
No legal hemp threshold
Regulator
Ministere de l'Agriculture et du Developpement Rural; DPSD
Key regulation
Law No. 88-686 of 22 July 1988 repressing trafficking and illicit use of stupefiants, psychotropic substances and poisons
Effective
July 22, 1988
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.
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