Optimizing the Pathway of Doping Agents Import and Export Control from the Perspective of Comprehensive Anti-doping Governance

The Chinese government has consistently adopted a “zero tolerance” attitude towards doping and has made efforts to construct and improve a distinctive anti-doping governance system in China. Customs, in accordance with the law, supervises and controls the import and export of doping agents. Strengthening comprehensive control over the import and export of doping agents is not only an integral part of the modernization of the anti-doping governance system and its capabilities but also a necessary requirement for effective anti-doping work in the new era. This study suggests that in response to certain issues in the management of the import and export of doping agents, such as the unclear classification of some substances in the doping agents list, the need to re-evaluate the verification process for anabolic agents and peptide hormones at the border, the lack of accountability clauses for illegal import and export in the Anti-Doping Regulations, and the risks in non-trade channels, postal services, express delivery, and cross-border e-commerce, it is necessary to strengthen comprehensive anti-doping governance, improve legislation on the import and export control of doping agents, adjust the verification process for anabolic agents and peptide hormones, and enhance risk prevention and control in emerging formats such as cross-border e-commerce and non-trade channels. Furthermore, it is crucial to crack down on illegal activities related to the evasion of anti-doping import and export control, thus contributing to the overall development of a rule of law in sports, including comprehensive anti-doping governance, within the process of China’s modernization.