WHERE CONTAMINATION ENTERS
Our assessment examines the declared formula alongside raw-material identity, supplier documentation, shared manufacturing activities, and traceability. We identify evidence gaps and control weaknesses, then define the next steps for testing and certification readiness.
WHAT WE ASSESS
01
Ingredient and supplier risk
Source material, extract characterisation, supplier history, and which inputs carry genuine banned substance exposure rather than theoretical exposure.
02
Manufacturing site controls
Shared lines, changeover procedures, segregation, cleaning validation and whether the site has handled anything that would be a problem to carry over.
03
Traceability
Whether a finished lot can be traced back to raw material lots, and whether the documentation would survive scrutiny after a positive result rather than before one.
04
Claims and athlete-facing copy
Sports claims, performance language and the difference between what a certification permits you to say and what the marketing team has written.
INGREDIENT SCREENING
We assess ingredient identities, alternative names, source materials, and supporting documentation against the applicable anti-doping framework. An assessment should consider prohibited substance classes, not just whether an ingredient name appears in a search.
Identity and alternative names
Review chemical names, synonyms, botanical identities, extract specifications, and the composition of branded blends.
Performance-positioned ingredients
Flag stimulant, hormone-related, metabolic, and research-chemical concepts for closer assessment.
Supplier and manufacturing exposure
Review sourcing records, subcontractors, shared-site activities, and the evidence supporting contamination controls.
Market and sport requirements
Assess ingredient eligibility, intended claims, and the requirements of the target certification program or sporting organization.
Ingredient review is one part of risk assessment, not a substitute for suitable manufacturing controls and independent testing.
CURRENT REFERENCE
The 2026 WADA Prohibited List took effect on 1 January 2026.
Supplement-relevant examples added to the 2026 List include α-naphthoflavone, also known as 7,8-benzoflavone, and BAM15 under hormone and metabolic modulators, plus flmodafinil and fladrafinil under stimulants.
These are additional named examples within prohibited classes, not evidence that the substances were previously permitted.
Reviewed: 22 September 2026
TESTING READINESS
Third-party testing and third-party certification are not interchangeable. Testing is one component of a broader certification program, rather than proof that the entire product range or manufacturing operation is certified.
What we help you establish
Testing scope : Which substances, specifications, methods, and reporting limits are relevant?
Laboratory suitability : Does the laboratory have appropriate accreditation and analytical scope for the proposed work?
Sample identity : Can the tested sample be linked to the correct finished product and production lot?
Release documentation : What results, records, and approvals are needed under the selected program?
Public verification : How will customers verify the relevant product and lot in the certification provider’s database?
Connect the sample, the result, and the production lot.
CERTIFICATION
We help organize the formula, supplier records, manufacturing documentation, and corrective actions needed for an independent certification assessment. The certification provider determines its requirements and makes the certification decision. See our NSF Certification page for the certification process itself.
The program combines manufacturing-quality assessment, formulation and label review, contents and contaminant testing, and prohibited-substance testing of production lots. Tested lots are listed in the program’s database.
Informed Sport
The program requires every batch of a certified product to be tested individually before commercial release, with additional blind retail testing. It should not be confused with Informed Choice, which uses a different testing schedule.
WHO THIS IS FOR
Sport and performance brands
Pre-workout, creatine, protein, hydration, recovery and nootropic brands selling to teams, collegiate programs, professional athletes or retailers who require certification as a condition of listing.
DOCUMENTED DELIVERABLES
Whether you are developing a new sports product or reviewing an existing range, we turn the assessment into a prioritized action plan. Depending on the agreed scope, deliverables may include:
Turn findings into a prioritized readiness plan.
Ingredient and supplier risk register : Identified concerns, documentation gaps, and recommended follow-up.
Manufacturing gap assessment : Priorities for segregation, cleaning, changeovers, and supplier oversight.
Testing and traceability plan : Proposed laboratory coordination, sample identification, and lot-documentation requirements.
Certification-readiness checklist : Records and actions required before approaching the selected provider.
Claims and artwork review : Athlete-facing wording and certification references.
Ongoing change-control plan : Review triggers for formula, supplier, site, process, and anti-doping-list changes.
Bring us the formula, the supplier list and the manufacturing site. We will tell you where the exposure sits and what has to be documented before certification.
Independent certification can reduce supplement-related anti-doping risk, but it cannot eliminate it. Athletes remain responsible under the applicable anti-doping rules.