THE PROHIBITED LIST
The World Anti-Doping Agency's Prohibited List identifies the substances and methods that are banned in sport. A substance or method may be included on the List if it meets any two of the following three criteria:
- It has the potential to enhance or enhances sport performance
- It represents an actual or potential health risk to the athlete
- It violates the spirit of sport (as is defined in both World and the IPC Anti-Doping Codes)
The Prohibited List Includes substances and methods that are prohibited at all times, prohibited only in-competition and prohibited only in particular sports. Other substances that are not necessarily named on the List but have a similar chemical structure or similar biological effect, are also prohibited. The substances and methods are classified by the following categories within the List:
- S0. Non-approved substances
- S1. Anabolic agents
- S2. Peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances and mimetics
- S3. Beta-2 agonists
- S4. Hormone and metabolic modulators
- S5. Diuretics and masking agents
- S6. Stimulants (in-competition)
- S7. Narcotics (in-competition)
- S8. Cannabinoids (in-competition)
- S9. Glucocorticoids (in-competition)
- M1. Manipulation of blood and blood components
- M2. Chemical and physical manipulation
- M3. Gene doping
The Prohibited List is updated annually following an extensive consultation process facilitated by WADA. The updated List comes into force on 01 January each year. It is published by WADA three months prior to coming into force, to make people aware in advance of any changes. In exceptional circumstances, a substance or method may be added to the Prohibited List at any time.
Download the 2024 Prohibited List
Key Changes to the 2024 Prohibited List
The 2024 Prohibited List published by the World Anti-Doping Agency takes effect from 01 January 2024.
A key change to the List includes the addition of Tramadol which is prohibited In-Competition . Tramadol has been on the WADA Monitoring Program for some years, which has indicated significant use in some sports Research studies have confirmed the potential for tramadol to enhance physical performance in sports.
Tramadol (also known as Ultram) is a prescription opioid medication used for pain relief.
Please click here for a summary of the major modifications to the 2024 Prohibited List and explanatory notes.
Principle of Strict Liability
In anti-doping, the principle of Strict Liability applies, whereby an athlete is responsible for any prohibited substances found in their urine and/or blood sample collected during doping control, regardless of whether they intended to dope or not.
Athletes must be aware of the Prohibited List and carefully check any medications or supplements prior to taking them. IPC recommends that athletes consult a trained professional, such as a doctor, pharmacist or nutritionist, who is best placed to interpret the List and provide advice.