WADA publishes proposed drafts of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards and related documents

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pleased to publish the proposed final drafts of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code (Code) and International Standards (Standards) as part of the final stage of the 2027 Code and Standards Update Process. The update process will culminate with the presentation and endorsement of these proposed versions during the 2025 World Conference on Doping in Sport, which will take place the week of 1-5 December 2025 in Busan, Republic of Korea, prior to the final approval of the Code and Standards at a joint meeting of WADA’s Executive Committee (ExCo) and Foundation Board (Board) on 5 December. 

Code and Standards drafts and summaries of major changes 

Below, stakeholders will find clean and redline versions of the final drafts of the 2027 Code and Standards, as well as a summary of major changes for the Code and one per Standard. 

1. 2027 World Anti-Doping Code 

• Clean version 
• Redline versions:  
  • 2021 Code v. 2027 Code Final Draft  
  • 2027 Code Second Draft v. 2027 Code Final Draft  
• Summary of Major Changes between 2027 Code Drafts 

2. International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS) 

• Clean version 
• Redline versions:  
  • 2024 ISCCS v. 2027 ISCCS Final Draft 
  • 2027 ISCCS¹ First Draft v. 2027 ISCCS Final Draft 
• Summary of Major Changes between 2027 ISCCS Second and Final Drafts 

3. International Standard for Data Protection (ISDP) (previously ISPPPI)  

• Clean version 
• Redline versions: 
  • 2021 ISPPPI v. 2027 Code Final Draft  
  • 2027 ISDP Second Draft v. 2027 ISDP Final Draft  
• Summary of Major Changes between 2027 ISDP Second and Final Drafts 

4. International Standard for Education (ISE) 

• Clean version 
• Redline versions: 
  • 2021 ISE v. 2027 ISE Final Draft  
  • 2027 ISE Second Draft v. 2027 ISE Final Draft 
• Summary of Major Changes between 2027 ISE Second and Final Drafts 

5. International Standard for Intelligence and Investigations (ISII) (new) 

• Clean version 
• Redline version: 
  • 2027 ISII Second Draft v. 2027 ISII Final Draft 
• Summary of Major Changes between 2027 ISII Second and Final Drafts 

6. International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 

• Clean version 
• Redline versions: 
  • 2021 ISL v. 2027 ISL Final Draft  
  • 2027 ISL Second Draft v. 2027 ISL Final Draft 
• Summary of Major Changes between 2027 ISL Second and Final Drafts 

7. International Standard for Results Management (ISRM) 

• Clean version 
• Redline versions: 
  • From 2023 ISRM to 2027 ISRM Final Draft 
  • From 2027 ISRM V2 to 2027 ISRM Final Draft 
• Summary of Major Changes between 2027 ISII Second and Final Drafts 

8. International Standard for Testing (IST) (previously ISTI) 

• Clean version 
• Redline versions: 
  • 2023 ISTI v. 2027 IST Final Draft  
  • 2027 IST Second Draft v. 2027 IST Final Draft  
• Summary of Major Changes between 2027 IST Second and Final Drafts 

9. International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE) 

• Clean version 
• Redline versions: 
  • 2023 ISTUE v. 2027 ISTUE Final Draft  
  • 2027 ISTUE Second Draft v. 2027 ISTUE Final Draft  
• Summary of Major Changes between 2027 ISTUE Second and Final Drafts 

About the 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 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.  

The drafting teams then reviewed the comments and integrated the feedback into the next set of drafts. All drafts have been published on WADA’s website. 

WADA is confident that the update process—regarding which the Board and ExCo received regular updates—was extensive and transparent, ensuring that all stakeholders had the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of the global anti-doping program. The Agency is grateful to all stakeholders who took the time to provide feedback and share insights; and to the drafting teams for dedicating their time and expertise to this endeavor. These collaborative efforts are essential to strengthening the global anti-doping system. 

Legal opinion regarding the 2027 Code 

WADA is also pleased to publish a Legal opinion by the Honorable Michael J. Beloff, KC. Mr. Beloff, who is a member of Blackstone Chambers in London, rendered his opinion on the 2027 Code in his capacity as consultant to WADA. His opinion refers to the compatibility of proposed changes to the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code with general Human Rights principles. His comments were incorporated within the proposed draft.    

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: 

1. Europe: Baku, Azerbaijan on 18-19 March (Registration to open in the coming weeks) 
2. Africa: Cairo, Egypt on 28-29 April 
3. Asia and Oceania: Beijing, China on 2-3 June 
4. Americas: Lima, Peru on 1-2 July 

In the meantime, WADA is pleased to provide 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 in the lead up to the World Conference, please feel free to contact: code@wada-ama.org. 

Note: 

¹ Please note that a revised version of the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories entered into effect on 1 April 2024 and therefore only became the subject of revision during the Second Drafting Phase.