On 1 October 2008, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) released the 2009 Prohibited List which contains the substances and methods that are banned in sport.
This Prohibited List, which will enter into force on 1 January 2009, is continually evolving as new substances and methods are uncovered and scientific knowledge of the effects of the various substances advances.
The Prohibited List is also an integral part of the International Convention against Doping in Sport because it is fundamental to international harmonization. There is a mechanism in the Convention that allows States Parties to the Convention to approve and adopt the annual Prohibited List. In accordance with Article 34 of the Convention, all States Parties have been notified of the changes made by WADA. States Parties then have 45 days to express their objection to the proposed amendments in writing to the Secretariat of UNESCO. Unless two-thirds of the States Parties express their objection the proposed amendments will be deemed to be approved.