WADA - 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards Implementation Guide

Page 2/95 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards Implementation Guide Table of Contents

I. Introduction ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 3

II. History of the World Ant-Doping Code and Program ................................ ................................ ...... 3

III. 2027 Code & IS Update Process ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 4

1. Overview ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 4

2. Drafting Teams ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 4

3. Stakeholder Consultations ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 4

4. Statistics ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 5

5. Acknowledgments ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 7

IV. Athlete Engagement ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 7 1. 2027 Code & IS Update Process ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 7

2. Feedback from the Athlete-Centered Consultation ................................ ................................ ....... 7

3. Summary................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 17

4. Acknowledgments ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 18

V. Substantive changes between the current 2021 Code and the proposed 2027 Code ................. 18

VI. Substantive changes between the current International Standards and the proposed 2027 International Standards ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 32

1. Summary of Substantive Changes between the 2024 ISCCS and proposed 2027 ISCCS ......... 32

2. Summary of Substantive Changes between the 2021 ISPPPI and proposed 2027 ISDP........... 37

3. Summary of Substantive Changes between the 2021 ISE and proposed 2027 ISE ................... 40

4. Summary of Substantive Changes between the 2021 ISL and proposed 2027 ISL ................... 43

5. Summary of Substantive Changes between the 2023 ISRM and proposed 2027 ISRM ............ 62

6. Summary of Substantive Changes between the 2023 ISTI and proposed 2027 IST .................. 68

7. Summary of Substantive Changes between the 2023 ISTUE and proposed 2027 ISTUE ......... 86

VII. Summary of key requirements in the new International Standard for Intelligence and

6. Summary of Substantive Changes between the 2023 ISTI and proposed 2027 IST .................. 68

7. Summary of Substantive Changes between the 2023 ISTUE and proposed 2027 ISTUE ......... 86

VII. Summary of key requirements in the new International Standard for Intelligence and Investigations ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ 91

VIII. Code Compliance: Practical steps for Code Signatories following the adoption of the ................ 2027 Code ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 92

IX. General Considerations on Code Compliance ................................ ................................ ............... 93

X. 2027 Code Implementation Support Program ................................ ................................ ................ 94

XI. Contact information ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 95Page 3/95 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards Implementation Guide

I. Introduction

In preparation for the upcoming Sixth World Conference on Doping in Sport , the World Anti -Doping Agency (WADA) has prepared this Implementation Guide to assist stakeholders in their understanding of the substantive changes to the World Anti -Doping Code (Code) and International Standards as well as to inform Code Signatories of their obligations to ensure that their legal frameworks and anti-doping programs fully comply with the requirements of the 2027 Code and International Standards which will come into effect on 1 January 2027. This Guide also provides stakeholders and Signatories with key information as it relates to the upcoming Code Implementation Support Program (CISP) that will help Signatories prepare for the implementation of the 2027 Code and International Standards.

Following a short presentation on the history of the World Anti-Doping Code and Program (Section II), this Guide provides an overview of the 2027 Code and International Standards Update Process (Section III), including a specific consideration of feedback received from the athlete community (Section IV). This is followed by a summary of the key substantive changes in the 2027 Code (Section V) and International Standards (Section VI) as well as a presentation on the new International Standard for Intelligence and Investigations ( Section VII). Finally, this Guide provides Signatories with practical Code compliance

is followed by a summary of the key substantive changes in the 2027 Code (Section V) and International Standards (Section VI) as well as a presentation on the new International Standard for Intelligence and Investigations ( Section VII). Finally, this Guide provides Signatories with practical Code compliance steps to follow after the adoption of the 2027 Code and International Standards at the upcoming World Conference on Doping in Sport (Section VIII) as well as other Code compliance considerations (Section IX) and information on the upcoming CISP (Section X).

II. History of the World Ant-Doping Code and Program

The Code is the fundamental and universal document upon which the World Anti -Doping Program is based. Its purpose is to advance the anti -doping effort through universal harmonization of anti -doping policies, rules, and regulations within sports organizations and among public authorities. The goal is for all athletes to benefit from the same anti -doping procedures and protections, no matter the sport, the ir nationality, or the country where they are tested, so that all athletes may participate in competition that is both safe and fair.

The Code is intended to be specific enough to achieve complete harmonization on issues where uniformity is required, yet general enough in other areas to permit flexibility on how agreed -upon antidoping principles are implemented. The Code is supported by different International Standards, which focus on different technical and operational areas of an Anti-Doping Organization’s program and on other key anti -doping related activities implemented by WADA, most notably its Compliance Monitoring Program. The Code and International Standards have been drafted with consideration of the principles of proportionality and human rights.

In January 2003, the first Code was approved in Copenhagen, Denmark during the Second World Conference on Doping in Sport. At the time, WADA committed to ensuring that the Code would be a living document, subject to periodic review. Accordingly, subsequent reviews have occurred and culminated in revised versions of the Code in 2009, 2015, and most recently in 2021. International Standards have also

Conference on Doping in Sport. At the time, WADA committed to ensuring that the Code would be a living document, subject to periodic review. Accordingly, subsequent reviews have occurred and culminated in revised versions of the Code in 2009, 2015, and most recently in 2021. International Standards have also followed this review and update process; however, some have been updated more frequently than the Code due to the constant evolution of the anti -doping ecosystem and the need to progress certain technical requirements. The 2027 Code & International Standard (2027 Code & IS) Update Process follows this original commitment to periodically reinforce and strengthen the Code and International Standards through extensive consultations with the global anti-doping community.Page 4/95 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards Implementation Guide

III. 2027 Code & IS Update Process

1. Overview

As summarized in the following Timelines & Key Phases document, the 2027 Code & IS Update Process was launched in September 2023 and was structured to offer stakeholders extensive opportunities to provide feedback on successive working drafts of the 2027 Code or International Standards and culminates in the approval of final versions of the 2027 Code and International Standards by respectively the WADA Foundation Board and Executive Committee at the Sixth World Conference on Doping in Sport, set to be held in Busan, Republic of Korea from 1 to 5 December 2025. This World Conference will gather athletes, representatives from the sport movement, public authorities and anti-doping organizations, along with other anti-doping experts and members of the media to consider the continued evolution of clean sport and engage in high-level discussion and debate on the global anti-doping program.

2. Drafting Teams

Similar to previous Code and International Standard review processes, Drafting Teams have been an integral part of the 2027 Code & IS Update Process and have been specifically tasked with considering feedback and providing expert advice , as well as recommendations and contributions to successive working drafts of the 2027 Code and International Standards. The nine different Drafting Teams are

integral part of the 2027 Code & IS Update Process and have been specifically tasked with considering feedback and providing expert advice , as well as recommendations and contributions to successive working drafts of the 2027 Code and International Standards. The nine different Drafting Teams are composed of members from WADA and external experts from various Signatories and organizations who were appointed based on their relevant experience, expertise, and knowledge in anti-doping.

To better facilitate their work, provide clarity on their key responsibilities, and in keeping with governance best practices, each Drafting Team was established as a formal Working Group in accordance with WADA’s Governance Framework and Regulations. The principal objectives and key responsibilities of the Drafting Teams and their members are housed in specific terms of references and this information can be found on the WADA Website under the Governance & Working Group Sections.

As part of their mandate, the Drafting Teams have cumulatively organized more than 70 meetings (inperson and virtual) and have given countless hours in reviewing feedback, meeting with stakeholders, and drafting proposed amendments to the documents. WADA is thankful for the invaluable contributions of the Drafting Team members and wishes to underline their importance to the continued practical improvement of the global clean sport movement.

3. Stakeholder Consultations

Over the course of th e six-phase 2027 Code & IS Update Process , there have been three distinct consultation phases. First, stakeholders were invited to provide feedback on the proposed concepts for consideration, which orientated and guide d the work and mandates of the Drafting Teams, before subsequently being invited to provide comments and feedback on the proposed first and second drafts of the 2027 Code. Along with the Code, the following International Standards1 were considered and reviewed as part of the 2027 Code and IS Update Process:

− International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS)2

1 The review excluded the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods, which is reviewed annually via a separate stakeholder consultation process.

as part of the 2027 Code and IS Update Process:

− International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS)2

1 The review excluded the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods, which is reviewed annually via a separate stakeholder consultation process. 2 A revised version of the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories entered into effect on 1 April 2024 and was therefore not the subject of revision during the First Drafting Phase.Page 5/95 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards Implementation Guide

− International Standard for Data Protection (ISDP)3 − International Standard for Education (ISE) − International Standard for Intelligence and Investigations (ISII) New − International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) − International Standard for Results Management (ISRM) − International Standard for Testing (IST)4 − International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE)

To ensure transparency, the proposed drafts of the 2027 Code and International Standards were published on the Code Review section of the WADA website, and were accompanied by summaries of substantive changes, clean and redline versions as well as WADAConnect submissions made by stakeholders.

WADA is confident that the 2027 Code & IS Update Process has extensively and transparently offered stakeholders the opportunity to provide comments and feedback. Across the three consultations, and excluding the athlete-centered consultation (see section IV below), more than 5000 comments from 160+ unique commenters in 50+ countries were cumulatively received in WADAConnect and these contributions, especially those based on experiences of practical implementation, have been essential in the drafting of the proposed 2027 Code and International Standards and ensuring that they are fit for purpose in the promotion of clean sport.

4. Statistics

First Stakeholder Engagement Phase (September – December 2023)

Total: 1553

Total: 83

4. Statistics

First Stakeholder Engagement Phase (September – December 2023)

Total: 1553

Total: 83

3 Currently the International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information (ISPPPI). 4 Currently the International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI). Document Number of Comments Code 362

ISCCS 14

ISDP-ISPPPI 75

ISE 253

ISII 137

ISL 71

ISRM 169

IST 202

ISTUE 270

Organization Type Number of Commenters Academic Institutions 4 Athlete Commissions 1 International Federations 13 Laboratories 2 National Anti -Doping Organizations 47 National Olympic and Paralympic Committees 5 Other Sport Entities 3 Private Entities/Individuals 4 Public Authorities 4 Regional Anti -Doping Organizations 1Page 6/95 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards Implementation Guide

Second Stakeholder Consultation Phase (May – October 2024)

Total: 1941

Total: 106

Third Stakeholder Consultation Phase (February – May 2025)

Total: 1698

Total: 80

Document Number of Comments Code 618

ISDP-ISPPPI 81

ISE 376

ISII 77

ISL 174

Total: 1698

Total: 80

Document Number of Comments Code 618

ISDP-ISPPPI 81

ISE 376

ISII 77

ISL 174

ISRM 144

IST 274

ISTUE 197

Organization Type Number of Commenters Academic Institutions 4 Athlete Commissions 3 International Federations 10 Laboratories 9 Major Event Organizations 2 National Anti -Doping Organizations 56 National Olympic and Paralympic Committees 5 Other Sport Entities 4 Private Entities/Individuals 6 Public Authorities 6 Regional Anti -Doping Organizations 1 Document Number of Comments Code 588

ISCCS 58

ISDP-ISPPPI 37

ISE 262

ISII 41

ISL 131

ISRM 117

IST 317

ISTUE 147

Organization Type Number of Commenters Academic Institutions 2 Athlete Commissions 1 International Federations 8 Laboratories 8 Major Event Organizations 1 National Anti -Doping Organizations 36 National Olympic and Paralympic Committees 4 Other Sport Entities 2 Private Entities/Individuals 9 Public Authorities 8 Regional Anti -Doping Organizations 1Page 7/95 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards Implementation Guide

5. Acknowledgments

WADA sincerely thanks all stakeholders who participated and provided valuable insights and feedback during this Process. It is such collaboration that ensures the continued strength of the Code and International Standards, and by extension, of the global anti-doping system.

IV. Athlete Engagement

1. 2027 Code & IS Update Process

during this Process. It is such collaboration that ensures the continued strength of the Code and International Standards, and by extension, of the global anti-doping system.

IV. Athlete Engagement

1. 2027 Code & IS Update Process

As emphasized in its Strategic Plan, WADA is an athlete-centered organization and endeavors to mobilize athlete engagement and participation in the development and evolu tion of the global anti -doping framework. In collaboration with the Athlete Council, WADA has actively sought to ensure that athlete voices have been fully heard as part of the 2027 Code & IS Update Process.

In keeping with this commitment, WADA organized athlete-focused webinars and presentations on the Process and proposed changes to the Code and International Standards . Notably, in April 2025, WADA also launched an Athlete-Centered Consultation which called on all athletes and athlete commissions to participate by sharing their feedback on some of the proposed changes to the Code and certain, relevant International Standards, or, in some cases, on current issues affecting athletes. While this feedback was crucial as part of the 2027 Code & IS Update Process, it also helps WADA identify where athletes may require further support or resources to fully comply with the relevant requirements of the Code and International Standards.

2. Feedback from the Athlete-Centered Consultation

More than 600 athletes/athlete commissions from 60+ countries and 70+ sports/sport disciplines participated and responded to the Athlete -Centered Consultation. The following sections will offer a summary of the feedback received as part of the Consultatio n. Where a proposed change has received majority support from the athlete respondents, it is indicated as such. Where a proposed change has not received majority support from the athlete respondents, but shall nevertheless be implemented, specific reasoning is given.

1. 2027 World Anti-Doping Code

a) Shorter periods of ineligibility for reckless as opposed to intention al violations of the Code (Code Article 10.2)

reasoning is given.

1. 2027 World Anti-Doping Code

a) Shorter periods of ineligibility for reckless as opposed to intention al violations of the Code (Code Article 10.2)

A majority of respondents indicated that they were in favor of shorter periods of ineligibility for antidoping rule violations where an athlete has demonstrated reckless as opposed to intentional conduct.Page 8/95 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards Implementation Guide

b) Changes to the period of ineligibility in cases involving Substances of Abuse (Code Article 10.2.3)

A majority of respondents indicated that they were in favor of the proposed adjustments to the period of ineligibility in cases involving substances of abuse.

c) Use of samples for other purposes than anti-doping (Comment to Code Article 23.2.2)

While a majority of respondents supported that samples collected for anti-doping purposes (under the World Anti -Doping Program) may be used by National Anti -Doping Organizations or International Federations for purposes unrelated to doping, such as enforcing safety, Code of Conduct policies and eligibility rules, several of the qualitative comments questioned whether this should be within the scope of the Code.

Yes 66% No 16% Not sure 18%Page 9/95 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards Implementation Guide

d) Non-publication of determined “No Fault or Negligence” anti-doping rule violations (Code Article 14.3.3)

A majority of the respondents indicated that an exception to the typical public disclosure rule where the anti-doping organization must publish the results, including the name of the athlete, the sport, the antidoping rule violated, the prohibited substances or methods (if any) and the related consequences , would balance fairness and respect for athletes’ rights alongside transparency and credibility of the

anti-doping organization must publish the results, including the name of the athlete, the sport, the antidoping rule violated, the prohibited substances or methods (if any) and the related consequences , would balance fairness and respect for athletes’ rights alongside transparency and credibility of the anti-doping system for cases of “No Fault or Negligence”.

e) Additional examples in the Code of the permitted and prohibited activities of a person who is serving a provisional suspension or period of ineligibility (Code Article 10.14.1)

A majority of respondents indicated that the addition of further examples of those activities which a person can and cannot do while serving a period of ineligibility is clear and helpful.

Yes 78% No 10% Not sure 12% Yes 94% No 6%Page 10/95 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards Implementation Guide

f) Importance of the Fundamental Rationale of the Code

A majority of respondents considered that the “Fundamental Rationale of the Code”, as reconfigured in the 2027 Code notably vis-à-vis the idea regarding the “Spirt of Sport”, was important.

1. 2027 International Standard for Data Protection (ISDP)

a) Retention of whereabouts information for 10 years (ISDP Annex A)

While 32% of the respondents indicated that they had concerns regarding whereabouts information being kept for 10 years, 43% and 25% of the respondents respectively indicated that they had no concerns or were not sure. This noted, the proposed 10-year retention period has been retained in the third draft of the 2027 ISDP, as following consultation with technical experts and stakeholders, it was determined that this would be better aligned with recent developments in anti-doping investigations and intelligence techniques, wh ere such data has taken on a renewed importance in detecting Code

third draft of the 2027 ISDP, as following consultation with technical experts and stakeholders, it was determined that this would be better aligned with recent developments in anti-doping investigations and intelligence techniques, wh ere such data has taken on a renewed importance in detecting Code violations.

Yes 32% No 43% Not sure 25%Page 11/95 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards Implementation Guide

1. 2027 International Standard for Education (ISE)

a) The broadening of an Anti-Doping Organization’s Education Pool (ISE Article 6)

A majority of respondents indicated that they were in favor of broaden ing an Anti -Doping Organization’s Education Pool to include more groups who must receive education such as minors competing internationally and athlete support personnel.

b) The addition of “unintentional doping” as a mandatory education topic (ISE Article 8)

A majority of respondents indicated that they were in favor of adding the topic of “unintentional doping”, including topics relating to the risk of supplement use, as a mandatory education topic.

Yes 89% No 2% Not sure 9% Yes 81% No 4% Not sure 15%Page 12/95 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards Implementation Guide

1. 2027 International Standard for Intelligence and Investigations (ISII)

a) Divulgation of Confidential Sources (ISII Article 4.2.5)

A majority of respondents agreed that the removal of the requirement for Anti -Doping Organizations to disclose the identities of their confidential sources to WADA in the event of an investigation by WADA would better protect the privacy and safety of such confidential sources.

A majority of respondents agreed that the removal of the requirement for Anti -Doping Organizations to disclose the identities of their confidential sources to WADA in the event of an investigation by WADA would better protect the privacy and safety of such confidential sources.

b) Threshold to initiate investigations (ISII Article 5.3.1)

A majority of respondents agreed the new threshold of “reasonable cause”, which is necessary for initiating mandatory investigations, will help ensure fair and justified investigations.

Yes 88% No 3% Not sure 9% Yes 72% No 17% Not sure 11%Page 13/95 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards Implementation Guide

c) Fair and adequate balance regarding the requirement to cooperate with an investigation ( ISII Article 5.4.2)

A majority of respondents agreed that the balance struck between the requirements for athletes to cooperate with investigations and their procedural safeguards and rights is fair and adequate.

1. 2027 International Standard for Results Management (ISRM)

a) 25% reduction in ineligibility for an athlete accepting anti-doping rule violations

(ISRM Articles 5.1.2.1 (f) and 7.1 (d) (i))

A majority of respondents agreed that an athlete’s (or person) acceptance of an anti -doping rule violation and the related consequences warrants a 25% reduction in the applicable period of ineligibility.

Yes 85% No 5% Not sure 10% Yes 78% No 12% Not sure 10%Page 14/95 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards Implementation Guide

b) Independent Review Expert Case Review (ISRM Article 5.5)

A majority of respondents agreed that in rare cases, such as cases where an anti-doping organization determines that the existence of multiple AAFs is likely due to a contaminated source and therefore considers closing a case without proceeding with the normal results management process, the goal of ensuring consistency and transparency for athletes will be achieved if such cases are submitted for review by an Independent Review Expert.

c) Removal of administrative review process for individual whereabouts failures (ISRM Article B.3.4 (e))

A majority of respondents agreed that the removal of the administrative review process for individual whereabouts failures will streamline the process without having a negative impact on athletes’ rights.

Yes 81% No 6% Not sure 13% Yes 80% No 5% Not sure 15%Page 15/95 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards Implementation Guide

1. 2027 International Standard for Testing (IST)

a) Whereabouts Deadlines (IST Article 4.6.10.1)

A majority of respondents agreed that the requirement for registered testing pool athletes to file their whereabouts by the 15th of each month preceding the start of a calendar quarter (i.e., 15 March, 15 June, 15 September, and 15 December), instead of by the first day of each ca lendar quarter, is reasonable and manageable.

b) Phone Calls to Athletes (IST Article 5.3.2)

June, 15 September, and 15 December), instead of by the first day of each ca lendar quarter, is reasonable and manageable.

b) Phone Calls to Athletes (IST Article 5.3.2)

A majority of respondents agreed that doping control officers should be able to call athletes outside of their 60-minute time slot in the following circumstances: (i) a doping control officer receives reliable information regarding an athlete’s location, that is not otherwise part of their whereabouts submission, and the doping control officer attempts to locate the athlete at such location but is unable to access the location due to restrictions (e.g., security does not permit access to the location); or when a follow -up test or target test is recommended by a Laboratory and is time sensitive.

Yes 74% No 8% Not sure 18% Yes 81% No 5% Not sure 14%Page 16/95 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards Implementation Guide

c) Sample collection procedure for athletes whom the sport gender is not identified under the applicable sport rule (IST Article C.4.5.1)

A majority of respondents agreed that the proposed changes in the 2027 IST, regarding the sample collection procedure for athletes whom the sport gender is not specified under the applicable sport rules, adequately addresses the needs and concerns of athletes who compete in open or mixed-gender sport categories.

d) Removal of the requirement to submit training locations when filing whereabouts (IST Article C.4.5.1)

Notwithstanding the fact that a majority of respondents indicated that the removal of the requirement to submit training information or any other regular activities would make it easier for them to ensure their whereabouts information is accurate and up -to-date, 2027 IST nevertheless includes the mandatory requirement for RTP Athletes to file on a quarterly basis, as part of their whereabouts

to submit training information or any other regular activities would make it easier for them to ensure their whereabouts information is accurate and up -to-date, 2027 IST nevertheless includes the mandatory requirement for RTP Athletes to file on a quarterly basis, as part of their whereabouts submission, a primary training location as well as the days during the quarter the athlete plans to train at such location.

This stems notably from the following important considerations:

− Athlete training information is critical to conducting no advance notice testing as this adds to the unpredictability of an anti-doping organization’s testing programs by not only having the ability to test athletes at their overnight address (i.e., an athlete’s personal and private space) but also in their sporting and training environment;

− The filing of athlete training information will assist anti-dopin