The Convention lays down binding rules with a view to harmonising anti-doping regulations, in particular:

- making it harder to obtain and use banned substances such as anabolic steroids;
- assisting the funding of anti-doping tests;
- establishing a link between the strict application of anti-doping rules and awarding subsidies to sports organisations or individual sportsmen and sportswomen;
- regular doping control procedures during and outside competitions, including in other countries.

The Convention contains a reference list of banned substances. A monitoring group specially set up for this purpose periodically re-examines this list and monitors the application of the Convention.