04 Jan 2023

WADA's 2023 Prohibited List now in force

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) wishes to remind athletes and all other stakeholders that the 2023 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List) enters into force 1 January 2023.  

The List designates what substances and methods are prohibited both in- and out-of-competition and which substances are banned in particular sports. 

For a substance or method to be added to the List, it must be determined that it meets at least 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

3. It violates the spirit of sport

Ultimately, athletes are responsible for prohibited substances found in their body and prohibited methods found to have been used. Athlete entourage are also liable for Anti-Doping Rule Violations if determined to be complicit. Consequently, if there is any doubt as to the status of a substance or method, it is important that they contact their respective Anti-Doping Organisations (International Federations or National Anti-Doping Organization) for advice. 

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 can apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) to determine whether they meet the criteria outlined in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE). The TUE Program is a rigorous and necessary part of elite sport which has overwhelming acceptance from athletes, physicians and anti-doping stakeholders.  

The 2023 Prohibited List; the 2023 Summary of Modifications and Explanatory Notes; and the 2023 Monitoring Program are available for download on WADA's website in English, French and Spanish.  

2023 List of prohibited substances and methods