ILAC and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have a long-standing relationship spanning over 20 years.

ILAC and WADA first signed an MoU in 2007, with the latest copy re-signed on 25 November 2021.

WADA-ILAC Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) 2021

Accreditation of anti-doping laboratories by an ILAC MRA signatory is a pre-requisite for WADA accreditation. ILAC and WADA work together to formally recognise the technical competence of the anti-doping laboratories, and this then leads to community confidence in laboratory outputs which are measurement results that are fit for their intended use.

ILAC provides the professional knowledge in assessments, to ensure the professional competence of the testing laboratories for WADA. WADA is responsible for harmonisation between laboratories, training assessors and, as necessary, updating the requirements and binding documents.

Key areas of the ILAC – WADA partnership are:

• Exchange of information and expertise on accreditation of anti-doping laboratories;
• Development of guidelines to harmonise and optimise the accreditation practices worldwide;
• Mutual representation on selected committees and working groups;
• Organisation of assessor training; and
• Participation in each other’s annual and associated meetings, including the ILAC General Assembly and the WADA Foundation Board.

Our complementary roles are essential in the fight against drugs in sport.

ILAC Chair, Etty Feller attended WADA’s Annual Symposium & 25th Anniversary Celebrations in Lausanne, Switzerland on 12-13 March. She presented during the “Partnerships with International Organizations” session, and the subsequent Q&A, along with representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA).

“We strive to continue to lead together in accordance with ILAC’s Mission”, Ms Feller said.

Pictured above are Victoria Ivanova Senior Manager, International Partnerships Science and Medicine Department WADA , Etty Feller, ILAC Chair and Prof Olivier Rabin, Senior Director Science and Medicine WADA.