2027 World Anti-Doping Code Updates

Everything WDSF athletes and Athlete Support Personnel need to know about the new World Anti-Doping Code entering into force on 1 January 2027.

The 2027 World Anti-Doping Code is coming

The World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) is updated every six years to ensure that the global anti-doping system continues to protect athletes, promote fair competition, and reflect developments in science, technology, human rights and athlete welfare.

The new 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and the updated International Standards will enter into force on 1 January 2027, introducing several important changes that affect athletes, Athlete Support Personnel (ASP), International Federations, National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) and Major Event Organizers worldwide.

This page provides an overview of the most important changes relevant to the WDSF community.

Who does the Code apply to?

The World Anti-Doping Code applies to:

• All athletes (international, national, talented and recreational)
• Athlete Support Personnel (coaches, trainers, medical staff, parents and team officials)
• International Federations
• National Anti-Doping Organizations
• Major Event Organizations

Everyone has a role in protecting clean sport.

What's New in 2027?

Athlete-centred Anti-Doping

The revised Code introduces a stronger athlete-centred approach by reinforcing:

• Human rights
• Athlete welfare
• Privacy
• Due process
• Proportionality
• Fairness throughout the anti-doping process

The revision was developed following consultation with more than 600 athletes and athlete commissions from over 60 countries and 70 sports.

Stronger Protection for Minors and Protected Persons

The 2027 Code introduces additional safeguards for Protected Persons.

This includes:

• Greater protection of minors
• Increased focus on investigating the adults surrounding young athletes
• Additional privacy safeguards
• Adapted procedures during investigations and hearings

Athletes aged 16–18 remain Protected Persons unless they belong to a Registered Testing Pool (RTP).

Education Becomes Even More Important

Education is now recognised as a fundamental athlete right.

Updates:

• Earlier education before testing
• Continuous education throughout an athlete's career
• Education delivered by trained educators
• Greater focus on unintentional doping
• Event-specific education before and during major events

Athletes are expected to actively participate whenever education is offered by their Anti-Doping Organization.

Improved Data Protection

The updated International Standard strengthens the protection of athletes' personal information.

Anti-Doping Organizations must:

• Apply stronger security measures
• Protect sensitive personal information
• Assess data protection risks
• Ensure accountability throughout all anti-doping processes

Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs)

The TUE process becomes clearer and more transparent.

Main changes include:

• Decisions within 21 days
• Easier access to TUE information
• Automatic recognition of many national TUEs by International Federations and Major Event Organizations
• Clearer rules for prospective and retroactive TUEs

Testing Procedures

Several improvements have been introduced to make testing more transparent and consistent.

Highlights include:

• Clearer notification procedures
• No shower before providing a urine sample after notification
• Athlete choice of DCO gender in mixed-gender events
• Greater protection for minors during testing
• Possibility of remote representation during sample collection

New Whereabouts Requirements

Important changes include:

• Clearer definition of the different testing pools
• Quarterly whereabouts filing deadline changed to the 15th of the month before each quarter
• Proportionate testing requirements depending on time spent in the RTP
• Possible "last chance" phone call during the final five minutes of the testing slot
• Mandatory passport-style photograph in ADAMS for RTP and Individual Testing Pool athletes

Results Management

The revised Code strengthens fairness and transparency during anti-doping proceedings.

Updates include:

• Notification of Adverse Analytical Findings within 21 days
• Simplified procedures for early admission
• Independent hearing panels
• Greater appeal rights
• Faster decision-making
• Additional safeguards for athletes with impairments

Intelligence & Investigations

The 2027 Code places greater emphasis on evidence-based investigations.

Changes:

• Investigations must be based on reasonable cause
• Greater focus on Athlete Support Personnel
• Mandatory investigation of ASP linked to multiple Anti-Doping Rule Violations
• Stronger protections for minors
• Greater respect for athletes' legal rights
• Strict confidentiality requirements

What Does This Mean for WDSF Athletes?

As a WDSF athlete or Athlete Support Personnel, you should begin preparing now for the implementation of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code.

Over the coming months, WDSF, together with the International Testing Agency (ITA), will provide additional guidance, educational resources and webinars to help the DanceSport community understand the new requirements before they come into effect on 1 January 2027. 

Published on 23 August 2026 (last update on 23 August 2026)