World Anti-Doping Agency publishes 2018 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods

by Françoise Dagouret, ITTF Anti-Doping Manager

One of five International Standards that are mandatory for all signatories of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), the List designates what substances and methods are prohibited both in and out of competition and which substances are banned in particular sports.

“WADA is pleased to publish the 2018 Prohibited List. Updated annually, the List is released three months ahead of taking effect so that all stakeholders, in particular athletes and their entourage have sufficient time to familiarize themselves with the document and its modifications. It is vital that all athletes and entourage take the necessary time to consult the List; and that, they contact their respective anti-doping organizations (ADOs) if they have any doubts as to the status of a substance or method.” Sir Craig Reedie, WADA President

“Annually, the Prohibited List review involves a very extensive stakeholder consultation process over the course of nine months. In reviewing the List, experts examine 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 endeavour to cheat the system.” Olivier Niggli, Director General

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 1st October. It 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

It should be noted that, for athletes who have a legitimate medical reason for using a prohibited substance or method that is on the List, they may be accommodated if they meet the criteria outlined in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE). The TUE process has overwhelming acceptance from athletes, physicians and anti-doping stakeholders worldwide.

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 List’s mobile-friendly digital edition will go live on Monday 1st January 2018.

As of Friday 29th September 2017, the 2018 Prohibited List, the Summary of Modifications, and the 2018 Monitoring Programme are available for download on WADA’s website in English and French. Spanish will follow shortly.

Stakeholders wishing to translate the List into other languages are kindly asked to signal their interest at [email protected] Friday 27th October. If interested, WADA would provide the necessary files; and, once the translation is finalised, would make the List available on the Agency’s website.

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA): 2018 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List)

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA): 2018 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes(List)

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA): Signatories

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA): World Anti-Doping Code

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA): International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE)

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA): The List’s mobile-friendly digital edition

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA): The 2018 Monitoring Program