3.4 Verification of the IPC classification 

As a general rule, applications are not systematically scrutinised after leaving the search division to verify whether it assigned the correct IPC classification. However, the EPO may carry out any spot-checks it considers necessary to ensure that the IPC is applied correctly and uniformly. It is for line managers to decide, based on the search division members' level of experience, whether such checks are needed and, if so, to arrange for them to be carried out before the applications leave their units.