Are SARMs Legal? 2025 Legal Status, FDA Warnings & Enforcement
schedule9 min readcalendar_todayUpdated Nov 29, 2025
SARMs are NOT legal for human consumption in the United States. They are classified as unapproved drugs, not dietary supplements. Criminal prosecution has escalated dramatically since 2020.
articleFederal Legal Status
SARMs are NOT Schedule III controlled substances—two bills failed (S.2742 in 2018, S.2895 in 2019). However, they are prosecuted as unapproved drugs under 21 USC § 355.
Legal Authority
- 21 USC § 355: Unapproved New Drugs
- 21 USC §§ 337-340: Criminal/Civil Penalties
- DASCA (2014): Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act
The FDA maintains that SARMs cannot be legally marketed as dietary supplements or drugs. Import Alert 54-15 allows seizure at ports.
articleCriminal Enforcement (2022-2025)
| Case | Year | Sentence | Forfeiture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackstone Labs (PJ Braun) | 2022 | 54 months prison | $3 million |
| Blackstone Labs (Aaron Singerman) | 2022 | 54 months prison | $2.9 million |
| James Boccuzzi | 2021 | Up to 15 years | — |
| Tyler Hall / Rat's Army | 2025 | Pending | TBD |
Key Trend: FDA shifted from warning letters to criminal prosecution as primary enforcement strategy.
articleCriminal Penalties
- Distribution: Up to 5 years federal imprisonment
- Distribution to minors: Up to 15 years
- Manufacture: Up to 5 years + equipment seizure
- Import: Federal felony even for personal quantities
Collateral Consequences
- Permanent federal felony record
- Ineligible for federal student loans/employment
- Security clearance revocation
- Professional license impact
articleMilitary & Sports Prohibitions
Department of Defense
- ALL SARMs on DoD Prohibited List (Instruction 6130.06)
- UCMJ Article 112a violations: Dishonorable discharge + 5 years
- Security clearance permanently revoked
WADA & NCAA
- Category S1.2 Anabolic Agents—ALL SARMs prohibited
- No TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption) available
- 2-4 year competition ban for violations
help_outlineFrequently Asked Questions
The 'research chemical' loophole is legally risky. Courts have ruled that if products are marketed to humans (fitness communities, bodybuilding), the label disclaimer is insufficient. FDA prosecutes based on intent, not just labeling.
Technically yes—possession of unapproved drugs violates federal law. However, prosecution typically targets manufacturers and distributors, not individual users. Import from China with shipping records can escalate to distribution charges.
menu_bookReferences & Sources
- [1]SARMs Control Act S.2895(Congress.gov, 2019)
- [2]FDA Consumer Warning(FDA, 2023)
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