The 2027 World Anti-Doping Code
Preparing for the change
Preparing for the change
A new version of the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) and its International Standards will take effect from 1 January 2027. It is essential that Athletes and their support network understand these changes to stay compliant with the rules.
Why the World Anti-Doping Code is changing
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) updates the Code and the International Standards every six years, following an extensive, global, multi-year consultation with stakeholders across sport. This is a critical part of how the anti-doping system evolves, stays effective and up to date.
The 2027 Code and International Standards were approved by WADA on 5 December 2025. The changes are designed to make anti-doping a fairer system, with Athletes’ rights and wellbeing at the heart of it.
How the UK applies the Code
The UK National Anti-Doping Policy (the Policy) is the overarching government policy document that sets out the UK's commitment to clean sport and underscores the UK government’s commitment to the UNESCO Convention Against Doping in Sport and the World Anti-Doping Code.
The UK Anti-Doping Rules (the UK ADR) are the detailed anti-doping rules adopted by national governing bodies (NGBs) and recognised by other sporting organisations that bring the World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards into effect within the UK. The UK ADR are the regulatory rules that apply directly to Athletes, Athlete Support Personnel and other Persons who fall to be bound by anti-doping rules under the Code.
Both the Policy and the UK ADR are currently being updated and will be published online before they take effect from 1 January 2027.
What the changes mean for you
Select a topic below to find out more about how the 2027 Code will impact you.
