The new Code has been established in response to the release of the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code (WADC), due to come into force on the same date.

Last updated in 2011, the new IPC Code has been approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and will apply to all member organisations, Paralympic Games and IPC recognised International Federations.

As a condition of recognition by the IPC, it has warned its members that they must comply with the Code, and all members shall have anti-doping rules consistent with and reflecting the provisions of the Code.

Members of the IPC include National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled, International Federations and Regional Paralympic Committees.

In addition to these members, the Code also applies to IPC recognised International Federations.

"The 2015 IPC Anti-Doping Code reflects changes made to the WADC and we remain committed to meeting the standards laid-out to ensure fair play across all areas of our responsibility," said chair of the IPC's Anti-Doping Committee, Toni Pascual.

"We have made great strides in the introduction of education and outreach programmes, which when combined have led to a greater understanding amongst members, athletes and teams of anti-doping.

"All members should now ensure that athletes and team personnel familiarise themselves with the new edition.

"There is still progress to be made but the new IPC Anti-Doping Code will help us to be even clearer of everyone's responsibilities in the fight against doping."

The IPC has issued a number of bans in recent years for doping violations including to London 2012 silver medal winner Folashade Oluwafemiayo of Nigeria ©Getty Images



Earlier this year, Kazakhstani Nordic skier Denis Petrenko was given a reprimand by the IPC for returning an "adverse analytical finding" for Acetazolamide, which he consumed as part of medication.

Petrenko had failed to obtain a Therapeutic Use Exemption.

Last year, the IPC called on greater support from NPCs, athletes and coaches after a raft of doping violations by powerlifters which resulted in bans for the likes of Nigerian Paralympic medallists Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Ivory Nwokorie. 

The revised WADA Code was agreed at the World Conference on Doping in Sport in Johannesburg, South Africa last November following a near two-year consultation process.

Changes include doubling bans for athletes from two to four years, banning athletes from associating with support personnel who have violated anti-doping rules and extending from eight to 10 years the period in which investigations can begin.

The 2015 IPC Anti-Doping Code can be viewed here.

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