Are SARMs legal in 2025? The short answer: not really. In the U.S., the FDA calls them ‘unapproved drugs’ and is prosecuting companies that sell them as supplements. In the UK, regulators classify them as ‘novel foods,’ which means they can’t be sold for human consumption either.
You might still see them marketed online, often with a ‘research use only’ label — but here’s the catch: buying or selling for bodybuilding use falls foul of the law. So if you’ve ever wondered whether SARMs sit in a legal grey zone or a red zone, this breakdown will give you the clarity you need.
Global Regulatory Snapshot — U.S. and UK Leading the Charge
United States
- FDA & legality: SARMs are unapproved drugs—you can’t market or sell them legally as supplements or medications. They must be research-only
- Enforcement ramp-up: The FDA has gone beyond warning letters—launching investigations, criminal referrals, and securing convictions for companies distributing SARMs as dietary supplements Federal Lawyer.
- Sports bans: SARMs are strictly prohibited by WADA, the DoD, and collegiate sports bodies .
“FDA is extremely concerned about unscrupulous companies marketing body-building products with potentially dangerous ingredients.” – FDA Consumer Update
United Kingdom
- Not illegal, yet highly restricted: SARMs are not licensed for human use by the MHRA, and their sale for consumption is effectively banned. Some may be sold for research purposes only.
- Novel foods classification: The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) classifies SARMs as novel foods. That means any product intended for human consumption must be approved—none have been so far—so such sales are illegal Open Access Government
- Enforcement in retail: A BBC investigation uncovered SARMs being sold illegally in UK shops, highlighting regulatory gaps YouTube.
“SARMs are classified as ‘novel food’ by the Food Standards Agency (FSA)… before they can be placed on Great Britain’s market for consumption, any novel foods need to be authorised. As things stand, SARM’s have not received the authorisation — meaning they are illegal to sell for human consumption.”
Notable UK SARMs Cases
SARMs aren’t just a research talking point—they’ve repeatedly made UK headlines for all the wrong reasons. From Trading Standards raids to BBC undercover exposés, authorities and scientists alike have raised red flags about mislabeling, illegal sales, and unregulated distribution.
These cases underline a key reality: while SARMs are often marketed online as cutting-edge supplements, in the UK they sit in a grey legal area and have already triggered seizures, court actions, and public health warning.
It’s more important than ever to choose a compliant UK SARMs supplier, who provides COA and MSDS information
| Case / Context | Key Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Warwickshire Trading Standards Seizure (2024) | Warwickshire County Council seized £500,000 worth of SARMs (and Turkesterone) marketed as muscle-building supplements and labelled “Not for human consumption”. A Food Condemnation Order was issued at Coventry Magistrates Court on 22 May 2024. opss.org |
| 2. BBC Investigation into Retail Sale (2023) | A BBC undercover probe revealed SARMs being illegally sold in UK shops and online. Analysis exposed mislabeling and undeclared substances in most products. The Food Standards Agency confirmed that placing these “novel foods” on the market is a criminal offense. The Independent |
| 3. LGC Analytical Study (2021) | Researchers at LGC (Cambridgeshire) purchased supplements marketed as SARMs and found major discrepancies between label claims and actual content—some contained different or undeclared compounds, some had none at all. PubMed |
| 4. Fatberg Detection in London (2018) | A London sewer “fatberg” revealed enobosarm (Ostarine) as the most abundant pharmaceutical, even outpacing illicit drugs like MDMA and cocaine—suggesting widespread non-medical usage. Wikipedia |
2. The Overall Flex Point: Not Fully Legal, Not Always Criminal
- Research-only status dominates: Almost everywhere, SARMs are relegated to the “not for human use” zone.
- Possession vs. sale: In the UK, possession isn’t criminalized—but supply for consumption certainly is GoodRx
- Regulatory intent: Authorities are clearly moving toward stricter rules, tighter import/export controls, and tougher penalties for wrongful distribution Open Access Government.
3. Why You Should Care — Your Move
- User risk: Many SARMs sold online are mislabeled or contaminated. They may deliver unexpected or dangerous compounds, this can be mitgatied by using a supplier who tests their batches via HPLC
- Health hazards: Reported risks include liver toxicity, cardiovascular issues (e.g., heart attack, stroke), hormonal disruption, and mental health challenges opss.org
- Athletes beware: One recent case shows how even kissing someone who ingested ostarine (a SARM) led to a positive doping test. The athlete in question was cleared after a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling—yet the message is clear: contamination can happen and penalties can follow
The infamous "Fatberg" - Ostarine was detected in high amounts in London
Quick FAQ
Q: Is using or owning SARMs legal in 2025?
A: Not officially—for human use. They’re allowed for research only in most places. Sale for consumption is largely illegal; possession may or may not be criminal depending on location.
Q: What’s new in 2025 regarding SARMs law?
A: Enforcement is getting tougher. The FDA is prosecuting distributors, and UK authorities are eyeing sharper regulations—even retail sales are being flagged and investigated.
Q: Are SARMs safe?
A: No. Multiple agencies and healthcare experts flag serious risks: liver damage, heart events, hormonal disruption, and psychological impacts. Plus, product content is often inaccurate or dangerous.
Q: Can contamination from SARMs trigger a doping violation?
A: Yes. A case earlier this year established that ostarine can transfer via saliva, and that’s enough to trigger a positive test—even from a kiss
Q: Where can I learn more about SARMs law?
A: Read our SARMs law interview for more expert information.
TL;DR – What You Need to Know
- SARMs are not legal for human use in the U.S. or UK.
- Regulators are ramping up enforcement against sale and mislabeling.
- Products are risky—health-wise and legally.
- For athletes, accidental exposure can still lead to serious consequences.
Keep reading? : Ostarine Research Review