When bringing out publications, researchers are required to minimise the repetition of content drawn from other publications in which they are or were involved as authors or co-authors. Such repetitions are to be limited to what is strictly necessary in order to understand the context. Statistical records of the frequency with which certain publications or researchers are cited only remain effective for comparing performance if citations are made sparingly. Refraining from making unnecessarily frequent citations avoids distortion of competition. Authentic statistical data can only be collected if indicators are not artificially inflated.

Nonetheless, researchers are required to provide a proper citation of another publication of which they themselves are the author or co-author wherever the reference is indispensable for the purpose of gaining an overall understanding. An exception to this principle only applies where a citation may be waived based on common practice within the specific discipline.