The reforms strengthen athlete rights, fairness, proportionality, protection of minors, education, operational independence, intelligence-led anti-doping activity and transparent results management.
Why the Code is changing
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) conducts major review processes periodically, typically resulting in a new version of the Code and IS every 6 years.
The 2027 Code and IS were approved on 5 December 2025 by the WADA Foundation Board and Executive Committee (respectively).
The 2027 Code and IS includes reforms that give greater recognition to human rights, system fairness, protection of minors, sanctioning flexibility, cooperation, case resolution and independence.
On 10 April 2026 WADA announced the release of new tools and resources under the 2027 Code Implementation Support Program to help signatories prepare for the implementation.
The program is live on the Anti-Doping Education and Learning platform (ADEL)
Australia’s implementation approach
Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) works with WADA to develop a policy that meets the requirements of the Code, as well as Australian anti-doping legislation – this is known as the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy (ANADP).
It applies to all Australian Sports Commission (ASC) recognised sports that are required to adopt an anti-doping policy approved by the SIA Chief Executive Officer.
SIA’s implementation program covers legal framework updates and operational implementation across legislation, rules/policy, education, testing, results management, Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), privacy, intelligence and stakeholder engagement.
Key 2027 Code and IS dates
September to November 2026 |
Sport Board approval for 2027 ANADP, adoption and related governance updates. 2027 ANADP available soon. |
14 October 2026 |
Public webinar on key Code changes |
October to December 2026 |
Final readiness period with continued communications from SIA to key stakeholders |
1 January 2027 |
2027 Code and International Standards commence |
Information for sports adopting the ANADP
Sports will need to formally adopt the 2027 ANADP, update governance documents and communications, support education, and understand the separation between sport governance and anti-doping regulatory functions.
- SIA fact sheet coming soon.
Key document
World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards Implementation Guide:
Information for athletes
- SIA fact sheet coming soon.
Key document
The 2027 Code Companion for Athletes:
Information for Athlete Support Personnel
- SIA fact sheet coming soon.
WADA resources
- 2027 Code and International Standards
- 2027 Code Implementation Support Program via Anti-Doping Education and Learning platform (ADEL)
Want to know more?
This page will continue to be updated ahead of the Code and IS coming into force on 1 January 2027.
If you have any questions or queries about the 2027 Code implementation, please email: sportpartnerships@sportintegrity.gov.au