January 04, 2018 – The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announces that the 2018 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List), which was first published on 29 September 2017, enters into force today (1 January).

The List, which is one of six International Standards that are mandatory for all Signatories of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), designates what substances and methods are prohibited both in- and out-of-competition; and, which substances are banned in particular sports.

The List’s annual revision process is led by WADA, beginning with an initial meeting in January and concluding with the publication of the List by 1 October. This is an extensive nine-month consultation process that includes WADA’s List Expert Group gathering information; circulating a draft List amongst stakeholders; taking their submissions into consideration and revising the draft; followed by, review by the Agency’s Health, Medical and Research (HMR) Committee. The HMR Committee then makes its recommendation to WADA’s Executive Committee that approves the List during its September meeting. For a substance or method to be added to the List, it must be determined that it meets two of the following three criteria: 1. it has the potential to enhance or enhances sport performance; 2. it represents an actual or potential health risk to the athletes; or, 3. it violates the spirit of sport.

To view the changes made in the 2018 Prohibited List as compared to the 2017 version, please see the 2018 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes.

Languages and Formats

The 2018 Prohibited List, the Summary of Modifications, and the 2018 Monitoring Program are available for download on WADA’s website in multiple languages here.

The List’s mobile-friendly digital edition can be accessed here.