The Prohibited List (List) identifies substances and methods prohibited in-competition, at all times (i.e. in- and out-of-competition) and in particular sports. Substances and methods are classified by categories (e.g. steroids, stimulants, masking agents). The List is updated at least annually following an extensive consultation process facilitated by WADA.

It is each athlete’s responsibility to ensure that no prohibited substance enters his/her body and that no prohibited method is used.

The List only contains the generic names of the pharmaceutical substances. The List does not contain brand names of the medications, which vary from country to country. Before taking any medication, an athlete should check with the prescribing physician that it does not contain a prohibited substance. If you have any doubt, contact WFDF and/or your NADO.

An athlete will only be allowed to use a prohibited substance for medical reasons if the athlete has a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for the substance that WFDF and/or the NADO has granted or recognized.

The List is updated at least annually. The latest version is published on WADA’s website in October and comes into force on 1 January. The official text is published by WADA in English and French.

Useful Online Databases

The following National Anti-Doping Organizations make online country-specific drug reference databases available for checking the status of a medication bought in that country.

  • GlobalDRO (for Australia, Canada, UK, USA, Switzerland, Japan and New Zealand)
  • A list of other country-specific databases can be found here.

Note: WADA and WFDF do not take responsibility for the information provided on these websites. 

2026

The 2026 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List) is in force as of 1 January 2026. The 2026 List was approved by WADA’s Executive Committee.

The List is one of the eight International Standards that are mandatory for all Signatories of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code). It designates which substances and methods are prohibited both in- and out-of-competition and which substances are banned in particular sports. 

Major Modifications for 2026 

As outlined in the 2026 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes, the major modifications for 2026 include the following:  

  • Further examples or clarifications have been added to the following substance classes to help athletes and their entourage better identify prohibited substances:   
    • S1. Anabolic agents, 
    • S2. Peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances, and mimetics,   
    • S4. Hormone and metabolic modulators, and 
    • S6. Stimulants.    
  • The dosing intervals of salmeterol have been changed to avoid potential ergogenic effects, though the maximum daily delivered dose remains the same. 
  • More details have been given about the prohibition of withdrawal of blood and blood components. 
  • The non-diagnostic use of carbon monoxide (CO) has been added to the Prohibited Methods as a new section, M1.4. The use of carbon monoxide for diagnostic purposes, such as total hemoglobin mass measurements or the determination of pulmonary diffusion capacity, is not prohibited.  
  • Cell components (e.g., nuclei and organelles such as mitochondria and ribosomes) have been added to the existing prohibition of using normal or genetically modified cells. 
  • It has been clarified in the Glucocorticoids Washout Table that use of sustained-release formulations may result in detectable glucocorticoid levels past the washout period due to prolonged systemic absorption.