2027 Code and International Standards

The World Anti-Doping Code (Code) is the core document upon which the global anti-doping program in sport is based.

The Code harmonises anti-doping policies, rules and regulations within sport organisations and among public authorities around the world. It works in conjunction with eight International Standards which aim to foster consistency among Anti-Doping Organisations in various areas.

The Code was first adopted in 2003 and took effect in 2004. It has undergone subsequent review processes by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) which resulted in the 2009, 2015 and 2021 Codes and International Standards.

Update process for 2027

In September 2023, WADA launched the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards Update Process. This will be a two-year process and will involve several phases of stakeholder engagement and consultation.

Access process timelines & key phases [PDF 130KB]

Final versions of the Code and International Standards will be presented for consideration and approval at the sixth World Conference on Doping in Sport in November 2025.

The 2027 Code and International Standards will then come into force on 1 January 2027. 

Closed - first drafting phase - stakeholder engagement (May-Oct 2024)

The First Drafting Phase, Stakeholder Consultation from May to October has closed.

During this phase, stakeholders were invited to provide their input/feedback on the first drafts of which the WADA drafting teams received more than 1800 comments. WADA drafting teams will consider and review all the comments, but they do not guarantee that all comments will be addressed or integrated into the updated versions of the Code and International Standards.

To access the complete set of stakeholder responses submitted to WADA on the first drafts (May to October 2024), click on the following link: https://www.wada-ama.org/en/news/wada-launches-second-drafting-phase-2027-world-anti-doping-code-and-international-standards

Next steps – second drafting phase (Oct 2024–Feb 2025) & third consultation phase (Feb-May 2025)

As part of WADA’s commitment to facilitate periodic collaborative review, WADA has announced it will be undertaking a Second Drafting Phase of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code & International Standards Update Process (2027 Code & IS Update Process). Like the First Drafting Phase, WADA drafting teams will consider and review stakeholder comments received from the stakeholder consultation phase held May to October 2024.

Stakeholders will be invited to provide feedback on the second drafts between February to May 2025 as part of the Third Consultation Phase. Finalisation of the Code and International Standards will take place from June-December 2025, with the final versions being submitted for approval by the WADA Executive Committee and Foundation Board. 

Final presentation of the updated Code and International Standards will be at the Sixth World Conference on Doping in Sport to be held in Busan, Republic of Korea in December 2025.