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WADA publishes approved 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pleased to publish the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code (Code) and International Standards (Standards), which were approved on 5 December by the Agency’s Foundation Board and Executive Committee respectively, at WADA’s sixth World Conference on Doping in Sport in Busan, Republic of South Korea. The 2027 Code and Standards, accessible through the links below, will come into force on 1 January 2027.
2027 World Anti-Doping Code
International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS)
International Standard for Data Protection (ISDP)
International Standard for Education (ISE)
International Standard for Intelligence and Investigations (ISII) New
International Standard for Laboratories (ISL)
International Standard for Results Management (ISRM)
International Standard for Testing (IST)
International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE)
Regarding the 2027 Code, stakeholders should note that for privacy reasons, changes were made to Code Articles 5.1, 14.6, and 23.2.2 before adoption.
The approved versions of the Code and Standards will now be translated into French and branded; following which, the final versions will be published on WADA’s website.
2027 Code and Standards Update Process
The 2027 Code & Standards Update Process, which was launched in September 2023, has been part of WADA’s commitment to facilitate periodic collaborative review processes to ensure these documents remain fit for purpose. The update process spanned more than two years and consisted of three distinct consultation phases, during which stakeholders and athletes were initially invited to provide comments on key concepts before providing feedback on subsequent drafts of the proposed 2027 Code and Standards. In collaboration with its Athlete Council, WADA also launched an Athlete-Centered Consultation to encourage athlete involvement in the update process. More than 600 athletes/athlete commissions from over 60 countries and 70+ sports/sport disciplines responded to the consultation, the results of which can be found here.
Preparing for implementation
In order to help Signatories prepare for the implementation of the 2027 Code and Standards, WADA will soon be delivering the 2027 Code Implementation Support Program (CISP), the aim of which is to provide simplified guidance to Signatories on the changes and requirements in the 2027 Code and Standards.
Additionally, WADA will be hosting four Regional Symposiums in 2026 in order to address the unique needs and challenges of stakeholders in the different regions in the lead up to the implementation of the 2027 Code and Standards. The Regional Symposiums will be structured around CISP, with a strong emphasis on compliance readiness. The cities and dates of these events (in calendar order) are as follows:
- Europe: Baku, Azerbaijan on 18-19 March (Registration now open)
- Africa: Cairo, Egypt on 28-29 April
- Asia and Oceania: Beijing, China on 2-3 June
- Americas: Lima, Peru on 1-2 July
In the meantime, WADA has published a 2027 Code and Standards Implementation Guide, which notably touches upon CISP and summarizes other matters of importance related to the Update Process; in particular:
- the significant changes between the current 2021 Code and the proposed 2027 Code, and
- the significant changes between the current Standards and the proposed 2027 Standards.
Should you have any questions regarding the above-mentioned documents, please feel free to contact: code@wada-ama.org.
