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.

For a substance or method to be added to the List, it must meet at least two of the following three criteria:

1. It has the potential to enhance sports performance.
2. It represents an actual or potential health risk to the athlete.
3. 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 Ingredient Help?

To help sports supplement brands stay compliant with the WADA List, Informed Ingredient certification offers a reliable solution. Informed Ingredient is a banned substance testing programme for sports supplement ingredients. Batches of a certified ingredient are reguarly tested and is subjected to a rigorous ingredient certification process to ensure they are safer for use. In addition, certification also reviews the manufacturing process to guarantee transparency and safety.

DOWNLOAD OUR CERTIFICATION PROCESS GUIDE

Informed Ingredient testing is performed in ISO 17025 accredited laboratories, providing trustworthy results that adhere to international scientific standards. This certification gives sport supplement brands the confidence to know that the ingredients they are using in their sport supplements have 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 can work to ensure they remain compliant. The Informed Ingredient certification offers a reliable solution for both, guaranteeing that batches of a product have been regularly tested and gone through a rigorous testing process. Remember, Informed Ingredient certification does not test final products, so 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.