The World Anti-Doping Code was established in January 2003 during the Second World Conference on Doping in Sport. It unifies anti-doping policies worldwide and operates alongside eight International Standards (IS) to ensure consistent application among Anti-Doping Organizations.
Keep reading to learn more about the updates coming to the World Anti-Doping Code in 2027.
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The Eight International Standards (IS) That Make Up the World Anti-Doping Program
While the IS are revised nearly every year, the Code, due to its size and complexity, is only updated once every six years, meaning the next version of the Code is set to be published in 2027. The process of revising the Code begins years in advance of its publication date and requires extensive collaboration between WADA and its stakeholders.
Our International sports lawyers play a vital role in interpreting and applying the World Anti-Doping Code and its eight International Standards (IS) across Anti-Doping Organizations worldwide.
Timeline for Updating the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code
The process of updating the 2027 Code began in May 2023, with WADA’s Executive Committee’s endorsement of the approach, timetable, and drafting teams. From September to December 2023, during the Stakeholder Engagement Phase, stakeholders were invited to provide feedback on certain key concepts.
Upcoming deadlines for the key phases of the Code revision process include:
- Week of January 8, 2024 - Launch of First Drafting Phase
- April 19, 2024 – End of First Drafting Phase
- Week of May 13, 2024 – Launch of Stakeholder Consultation Phase
- October 11, 2024 – End of Stakeholder Consultation Phase
- Week of October 14, 2024 – Launch of Second Drafting Phase
- January 17, 2025 – End of Second Drafting Phase
- January 20, 2025, to April 18, 2025 – Optional, abbreviated, and specific stakeholder consultation or ‘internal’ drafting phases
- May – October 2025 – Finalization of Code and IS
- November 2025 – Final version submitted for approval at the Sixth World Conference on Doping in Sport in Busan, Republic of Korea
- January 2027 – 2027 Code and IS implementation
Relevant documentation provided during the updating process will be in English. Following their approval, finalized French versions of the 2027 Code and International Standards will be made available.
Updates to the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods
International Standards undergo separate update processes with varying levels of review. This means the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods will be updated separately as part of its distinct annual stakeholder consultation process. The most recent update to the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods went into effect on January 1, 2024. Some of the changes included in this update are:
- Subclasses of sections S1, S2, S4, M1, M2, M3, and S6 of the Prohibited List were renumbered to avoid any misinterpretation, but there was no change in classification.
- Donation of plasma or plasma components by plasmapheresis is no longer prohibited if performed in a registered collection center.
- 2-phenylpropan-1-amine (BMPEA, ß-methylphenethylamine) was added as an example of a specified stimulant due to its presence in dietary supplements.
- Tramadol is prohibited in competition as of January 1, 2024.
- The GLP-1 analog semaglutide was added to the monitoring program to examine the prevalence and pattern of use in sport.
Are You An Athlete Accused of an Anti-Doping Rule Violation?
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When it comes to anti-doping rule violations, you simply can't afford to take any chances. Not only are your career and reputation at stake—so are your lifelong dreams. Our firm is devoted to sports law and has represented athletes from over 65 countries spanning nearly every sports category. Let experienced anti-doping attorneys Paul Greene and Matthew Kaiser help you protect your ability to compete in the sport you love.
