If the application was one of the exceptional cases (i), (ii) or (iii) mentioned in H‑II, 2.2 and no communication under Art. 94(3) has preceded the communication under Rule 71(3), the applicant may amend the description, claims and drawings of their own volition (see C‑III, 2; see also C‑II, 3.1) within the time limit for replying to the communication under Rule 71(3). If the examining division finds that these amendments are allowable, a second communication according to Rule 71(3) is issued based on the text as amended (see C‑V, 4.6).[Rule 137(3); ]
However, if the examining division is of the opinion that the amendments are not allowable (a finding of inadmissibility with regard to these amendments not being possible), the examination procedure is normally resumed in accordance with C‑V, 4.7.
Source: http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/guidelines/e/h_ii_2_5_3.htm
Date retrieved: 17 May 2021