October 02, 2015 – On 16 September, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Executive Committee approved the 2016 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods, which is now available on WADA’s website here. The List will come into force on 1 January 2016.

“WADA leads an extensive consultative process annually that results in the updated Prohibited List,” said Craig Reedie, President, WADA. “Our Expert Group considers such sources as scientific and medical research; trends; and, intelligence gathered from law enforcement and pharmaceutical companies in order to stay ahead of those that wish to cheat,” he continued. “The 2016 List had a few noteworthy changesmodifications from last year.”

Updated annually, the List is one of five International Standards that are mandatory for all signatories of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code). It designates what substances and methods are prohibited in- and out-of-competition; and, which substances are banned in particular sports. According to the Code, if a substance or method is found to meet two of three criteria (enhances performance, poses a threat to athlete health, violates the spirit of sport), then it could be considered for placement on the List.

The List’s annual revision process is led by WADA and involves extensive consultation, which begins with a draft being circulated for comment amongst stakeholders. The comments are considered by WADA’s List Expert Group, which then presents its conclusions to WADA’s Health, Medical and Research Committee (HMRC). Once this process is concluded, the HMRC makes recommendations to WADA’s Executive Committee, which are discussed before making a final decision during its September meeting.

Languages and Formats

As of today, the 2016 Prohibited List, the Summary of Modifications, and the Monitoring Program are available for download on WADA’s website in English. French and Spanish will follow shortly.

Stakeholders wishing to translate the List into other languages are kindly asked to signal their interest at info@wada-ama.org, by 23 October.

As has been the case in recent years, the List will be made available as an iPhone app and on other mobile devices effective 1 January 2016.