WADA Prohibited List 2026

WADA Prohibited List 2026 – Effective 1 January 2026

The WADA Prohibited List 2026 was published in September and is available on the BWF website (linked here). It has come into force on 01 January 2026.

The Prohibited List is updated every year, and it comes into effect on 01 January each year. This list details the substances and methods which are prohibited for athletes.

Substances and methods are classified by categories in the list, for example – steroids, stimulants, masking agents.

Some substances and methods are prohibited in-competition, and others are prohibited at all times, both in-competition and out-of-competition.

Athletes are responsible for everything they eat, drink, and take. This is known as “strict liability”.

Major Modifications for 2026

There are a number of major modifications made to the 2026 Prohibited List and these are outlined in the 2026 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes (linked here)

Further information on the 2026 Prohibited List, as well as further general anti-doping education can be found on the WADA Anti-Doping Education & Learning (ADEL) platform – registration and login page linked here.

The Therapeutic Use Exemption Program

Athletes who have a legitimate medical reason for using a Prohibited substance or method that is on the List 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) – criteria linked here.

The TUE Program is a rigorous and necessary part of elite sport and has overwhelming acceptance from athletes, physicians, and anti-doping stakeholders.

Please forward this information to your players, coaches, and team managers.

More Information / Contact Person

Please contact Andy Hines-Randle, Deputy Director – Integrity ([email protected]), should you have any questions.