International Standards

The World Anti-Doping Code (Code) is the core document that harmonizes anti-doping policies, rules and regulations within sport organizations and among public authorities around the world.

It works in conjunction with the eight, mandatory, International Standards and 12, non-mandatory, Guidelines.

International Standards

The purpose of the International Standards is harmonization among Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) responsible for specific technical and operational parts of anti-doping programs. Adherence to the International Standards is mandatory for compliance with the Code.

The International Standards for different technical and operational areas are developed in consultation with the Code Signatories and governments and approved by WADA. The International Standards may be revised from time to time by WADA’s Executive Committee after reasonable consultation with Signatories, governments and other relevant stakeholders.

The eight International Standards include:

• Code Compliance by Signatories
• Education
• Prohibited List
• Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs)
• Testing and Investigations
• Laboratories
• Results Management
• Protection of Privacy and Personal Information

Guidelines

Guidelines provide Signatories with recommended practices for several aspects of anti-doping. These Guidelines are not mandatory, but offer technical guidance to ADOs in the implementation of programs. As with the Code and the International Standards, under the World Anti-Doping Program, the Guidelines are subject to ongoing review and reassessment.

WADA encourages feedback on the content of the Guidelines, and recommends that stakeholders always consult this Web site for the latest version.

• Guidelines for Education
• Guidelines for Results Management
• Guidelines for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs)
• Guidelines for Privacy
• Guidelines for Sample Collection
• Guidelines for Gathering Information and Sharing Intelligence
• Guidelines for Implementing an Effective Testing Program
• Guidelines for Sample Collection Personnel

• Guidelines for Testing during a Pandemic

• Laboratory Guidelines: Human Growth Hormone (hGH) Biomarkers Test
• Laboratory Guidelines: TUE Enquiries by Accredited Laboratories
• Laboratory Guidelines: Conducting and Reporting Subcontracted Analysis and Further Analysis for Doping Control
• Laboratory Guidelines: Gene Doping Detection based on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Laboratory Technical Documents and Technical Letters

Under the International Standard for Laboratories (ISL), WADA issues Technical Documents and Technical Letters to provide direction to WADA-accredited laboratories, WADA-approved laboratories for the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP), and other stakeholders.

Technical Documents provide direction on specific technical or procedural issues.

Technical Letters provide direction on particular issues regarding the analysis, interpretation and reporting of results for specific prohibited substance(s) and/or prohibited method(s) or on the application of specific laboratory procedures.

Technical Documents and Technical Letters are mandatory under the ISL.