Retraction Guidelines

They have clear evidence that the findings are unreliable, either as a result of major error (eg, miscalculation or experimental error), or as a result of fabrication (eg, of data) or falsification (eg, image manipulation)
It constitutes plagiarism
The findings have previously been published elsewhere without proper attribution to previous sources or disclosure to the editor, permission to republish, or justification (ie, cases of redundant publication)
It contains material or data without authorisation for use
Copyright has been infringed or there is some other serious legal issue (eg, libel, privacy)
It reports unethical research
It has been published solely on the basis of a compromised or manipulated peer review process
The author(s) failed to disclose a major competing interest (a.k.a. conflict of interest) that, in the view of the editor, would have unduly affected interpretations of the work or recommendations by editors and peer reviewers.

Be linked to the retracted article wherever possible (ie, in all online versions)
Clearly identify the retracted article (eg, by including the title and authors in the retraction heading or citing the retracted article)
Be clearly identified as a retraction (ie, distinct from other types of correction or comment)
Be published promptly to minimise harmful effects
Be freely available to all readers (ie, not behind access barriers or available only to subscribers)
State who is retracting the article
State the reason(s) for retraction
Be objective, factual and avoid inflammatory language

This policy follows the guidelines of COPE