The search division may exclude certain subject-matter from its search. These exclusions may result from certain subject-matter not complying with the provisions of the EPC relating to exclusions from patentability or to susceptibility to industrial application (see B‑VIII, 1 and B-VIII, 2). They may also arise where the application does not comply with the provisions of the EPC to such an extent that a meaningful search is impossible for some or all of the claims, or for a part of a claim, for other reasons (see B‑VIII, 3) or where the application does not comply with Rule 43(2) (see B‑VIII, 4).[Rule 63; Rule 62a; ]
Source: http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/guidelines/e/b_iii_3_11.htm
Date retrieved: 17 May 2021