Shanghai has achieved a significant milestone in global sports integrity as the Shanghai Anti-Doping Laboratory (SAL) received formal accreditation from the World Anti-Doping Agency on December 2, 2025. The announcement emerged from WADA’s executive committee gathering in Busan, South Korea, elevating China to an elite group of nations hosting multiple certified anti-doping facilities.
The Shanghai University of Sport-based facility now stands as China’s second WADA-accredited laboratory, joining the established Beijing Anti-Doping Laboratory. This development positions China alongside only the United States, Germany, and Spain as nations operating two WADA-recognized testing centers.
The laboratory’s path to accreditation followed a rigorous multi-year process. SAL entered WADA’s candidate laboratory program in September 2021, achieved Athlete Biological Passport candidate status in September 2023, and advanced to probationary laboratory standing by September 2024.
Moving forward, SAL leadership has committed to maintaining strict adherence to WADA’s International Standard for Laboratories while pursuing scientific innovation. The laboratory plans to enhance its analytical capabilities and research initiatives, contributing to worldwide efforts against performance-enhancing substances in sports. These developments aim to protect athlete welfare and preserve competitive fairness across international sporting events.