Confused about the legal status of SARMs in the UK? You’re not alone. The landscape surrounding Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) is murky—and constantly evolving. Let’s break it down clearly, using current legislation and official sources.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- SARMs are not controlled substances in the UK (yet).
- Selling or marketing them for human use is illegal without MHRA authorisation.
- Personal possession is legal, but use in sport is banned.
- UK authorities are monitoring SARMs closely, and legislation could tighten in future.
🔍 The Quick Answer
SARMs are not currently classified as controlled substances under the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
However, their sale for human consumption is illegal under The Human Medicines Regulations 2012 unless authorised by the MHRA.
What Does “Controlled Substance” Actually Mean?
A controlled substance is a drug listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, making it illegal to possess, supply, or produce without proper licensing.
These include:
- Class A: Heroin, cocaine, LSD
- Class B: Cannabis, codeine
- Class C: Diazepam, anabolic steroids
SARMs are not listed in any of these classes (as of 2025).
They are not scheduled under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, either.
✅ That means: Possession of SARMs is not currently a criminal offence in the UK.
So Why Are SARMs Banned for Human Use?
Here’s where it gets more technical.
SARMs fall under the definition of a medicinal product due to their pharmacological effects.
Under Regulation 3 of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, it is illegal to:
“Sell, supply, advertise, or market SARMs for human consumption without proper authorisation“
That’s why reputable vendors label SARMs as:
⚠️ “For Research Use Only”
❌ “Not for human consumption”
🔬 Even though they’re not controlled substances, selling SARMs as supplements or for bodybuilding use is illegal.
Are There Any SARMs That Are Controlled?
No SARMs are currently controlled under UK drug laws. But that could change.
📌 In 2020, the UK Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) reviewed SARMs and recommended monitoring their growing use.
The Home Office has not yet moved to schedule SARMs under the Misuse of Drugs Act—but they are under scrutiny.
“SARMs present a risk of misuse and health harms similar to anabolic steroids.”
— ACMD Report, 2020
This means regulation could tighten.
Further information : Checking if SARMs are legal in the UK
Can SARMs Be Seized by UK Customs?
Yes—if they appear to be imported for personal use or human consumption.
UK Border Force may:
- Confiscate SARMs under suspicion of unauthorised medicinal importation
- Refer cases to the MHRA for investigation
- Reject parcels without proper labelling/disclaimers
Vendors often include compliance disclaimers and avoid making medical or performance claims.
Further information: Importing SARMs in the UK
What About WADA and Sports Bans?
SARMs like Ostarine (MK-2866), Ligandrol (LGD-4033), and Testolone (RAD-140) are on the WADA Prohibited List.
This means athletes caught with SARMs in their system face bans—even if they obtained them legally.
🧪 They are classified as S1: Anabolic Agents—the same category as steroids.
Legal to Sell? Legal to Buy? Here’s the Matrix:
| Action | Legal? | Regulation |
|---|---|---|
| Buy SARMs for research use | ✅ Yes | Not controlled |
| Sell SARMs for research use | ✅ Yes (with correct disclaimers) | Must not imply human use |
| Sell SARMs for human use | ❌ No | Human Medicines Regulations 2012 |
| Possess SARMs (personal use) | ✅ Yes (not a criminal offence) | Not controlled |
| Import SARMs for bodybuilding | ❌ Risk of seizure | May breach medicines/import rules |
| Use SARMs in sport | ❌ Banned by WADA | Anti-doping sanctions apply |