INFORMED SPORT NEWS
The 2025 WADA List of Prohibited Substances: What You Need to Know
18 March 2025
Last September, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) published the 2025 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods, the international standard for banned substances and their related compounds in sports. Having gone into effect on 1 January, we wanted to take a moment to point out a few notable additions to this year's list.
Along with the fully updated list, WADA also released their 2025 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes, which focuses specifically on the changes between the 2024 and 2025 lists. Among the list of Major Modifications for 2025 is that guanfacine has been clarified not to be a prohibited substance. For the full list of modifications, click here.
The WADA List of Prohibited Substances and Methods includes a wide range of substances and methods prohibited in competition. These include several categories, such as anabolic agents, hormones and related substances, stimulants, narcotics, and cannabinoids, among others. Additionally, some methods are prohibited, such as blood doping and gene doping. All of these are intended to prevent athletes from gaining an unfair advantage by using substances that would improve their performance.
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For a substance or method to be added to the List, it must meet at least two of the following three criteria:
- It has the potential to enhance sports performance.
- It represents an actual or potential health risk to the athlete.
- It violates the spirit of sport.
For athletes who require a prohibited substance or method but have a legitimate medical reason, they can apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) to meet the criteria outlined in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE).
How Does Informed Sport Help?
To help athletes and sports supplement brands stay compliant with the WADA List, Informed Sport certification offers a reliable solution. Informed Sport is a banned substance testing programme for sports supplement products. Every batch of a certified supplement is subjected to a rigorous supplement certification process to ensure they do not contain any prohibited substances. In addition, certification also reviews the raw materials and manufacturing process to guarantee transparency and safety.
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Informed Sport testing is performed in ISO 17025 accredited laboratories, providing trustworthy results that adhere to international scientific standards. This certification gives athletes the confidence to know that every supplement they take has been tested, reviewed, and approved for use in sports while also avoiding any potential for adverse health conditions.
As the WADA List of Prohibited Substances and Methods continuously evolves, it is more important than ever to stay informed. By understanding what is prohibited and the criteria for inclusion, sports supplement brands and athletes can work to ensure they remain compliant. The Informed Sport certification offers a reliable solution for both, guaranteeing that every batch of a product has gone through a rigorous testing process. Remember, athletes must be responsible and always thoroughly research any supplements or substances they plan to use to avoid any adverse health effects or doping violations.
