2015 International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE)

What is the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions?

The International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE) is one of the mandatory International Standards of the world anti-doping system. The International Standards set out the technical detail of implementing the Code, and compliance with them is mandatory for all Signatories to the Code. This Standard determines the conditions under which, and the procedure by which, an athlete who must use a prohibited substance or method because of an illness obtains a Therapeutic Use Exemption, who determines the application, and in which cases the decision is subject to review and appeal.

Who this document matters to

The most frequently used Standard for team physicians and athletes. The four conditions for granting an exemption, the deadline for submitting an application, the possibility of a retroactive application, and the bodies competent to determine and to hear appeals are all set out in this text; and in doping cases, the existence or absence of a valid exemption is the first matter examined.

Each case is governed by the edition of this Standard that was in force at the time of the event; for that reason, earlier editions are kept available on this page. The official text is published in English and French, and in the event of any conflict, the English text prevails.