Ottawa – October 6, 2025 – The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published the 2026 Prohibited List that will come into effect on January 1, 2026. The 2026 Prohibited List and the Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes are now available to the sport community. 

The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) encourages all athletes and support personnel to familiarize themselves with the Prohibited List and review changes for the coming year. The majority of modifications for 2026 are clarifications and examples for categories of prohibited substances and methods.

Noteworthy updates:

  • Examples or clarifications have been added for anabolic agents, peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances, and mimetics, hormone and metabolic modulators, and stimulants.
  • Salmeterol dosing intervals have been modified to avoid potential performance-enhancing effects (maximum daily dose remains the same).
  • Clarifications regarding prohibition of withdrawal of blood and blood components.
  • Non-diagnostic use of carbon monoxide (CO) has been added to the Prohibited Methods as a new section, M1.4.
  • Cell components (e.g., nuclei, mitochondria, ribosomes) are now included in the existing prohibition of using normal or genetically modified cells.
  • Glucocorticoid washout table has been clarified to include that the use of sustained-release formulations may result in detectable glucocorticoid levels beyond the washout period.

Resources

When it comes to the use of medications, supplements, and sport nutrition products, athletes are encouraged to exercise a high degree of care. These resources help athletes determine whether medications are prohibited in sport, and what to do if they are.

  • Global DRO: Online substance inquiry service, including brands from seven countries.
  • Medical Exemption Wizard: Athletes who require a prohibited medication should verify their medical exemption requirements.
  • CCES supplements information: Learn about the risks involved with supplements and unregulated products.
  • If a supplement is an important part of your individualized nutrition or performance plan, select one that has been subject to rigorous, trusted third-party batch testing program, such as: NSF International Certified for Sport®, BSCG, Informed Choice, or Informed Sport.

WADA Documents for 2026

The Prohibited List

The Prohibited List is an international standard identifying substances and methods that are prohibited in sport. The International Olympic Committee first published it in 1968. Since 2004, WADA has been responsible for the preparation and publication of the List, which it updates every year.

For questions about medications and supplements, contact the CCES

About the CCES

The CCES is an independent, national, not-for-profit organization that works to protect the integrity of sport and manages unethical issues in Canadian sport. Through the administration of its programs, including the Canadian Anti-Doping Program and the Canadian Safe Sport Program, the CCES strives to ensure sport is safe, inclusive, fair, clean, and accessible for all Canadians. The CCES acknowledges funding, in part, from the Government of Canada. For more information, visit cces.ca, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.

For further information, please contact:

+1 613-521-3340 x3233
[email protected]

See Also...
The Prohibited List

The Prohibited List is an international standard that identifies substances and methods that are prohibited in sport.

Banned Substances and Methods

Banned substances and methods are categorized based on their effect or application and can be prohibited in-competition, out-of-competition, or in particular sports.

Check Your Medications