Indexing in the international databases Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) is a significant distinction for any academic journal. However, even after a publication is successfully included in the review, it can be excluded for non-compliance with quality and ethical criteria. In this article, we will address:
- Main reasons for the exclusion of journals from Scopus and WoS
- The process of reviewing moderation and indexing status
- Consequences for editors and authors
- Examples of recent exclusions (2024–2025)
- Practical recommendations on how to avoid exclusion
1. Main Reasons for Exclusion
1.1 Violation of Academic Integrity
- Plagiarism: Mass copying of others’ texts without proper citation.
- Fake reviews: Falsifying conclusions or manipulating reviews.
1.2 Unstable Publication Schedule
- Skipping an issue or a delay beyond the announced timeframe.
1.3 Predatory Publishing Practices
- Disproportionately high publication fees in the absence of a serious expert review.
- Aggressive, mass mailing of requests for article submissions.
1.4 Low Scientific Value of Content
- A significant portion of the materials consists of abstracts or summaries lacking any novelty.
- Lack of English annotations and translation of metadata.
2. The Process of Reviewing Indexing Status
2.1 Initiating a Check
- Automatic notifications about unusual fluctuations in citations.
- Signals from users, editors, or academic institutions about violations.
2.2 Expert Evaluation
- The Scopus CSAB or the Clarivate Editorial Advisory Board reviews issues from the last 1-2 years.
- Analysis of compliance with review standards, regularity, and scientific novelty.
2.3 Resolution
- Indexing suspension: The journal is given time to make corrections (6–18 months).
- Final exclusion: After repeated monitoring, if violations are not eliminated.
3. Implications for Publications and Authors
For magazines:
- Loss of trust in the academic community.
- A decrease in SJR scores or Impact Factor.
- Financial losses due to a decrease in the number of submitted manuscripts.
For authors:
- Inability to obtain a DOI through these databases.
- Reduced visibility and citability of published articles.
- Difficulties in meeting grant or institutional requirements.
4. Examples of Exclusions (2024–2025)
- Journal of XYZ Research: Excluded from the Scopus database in January 2025 due to fake reviews.
- Engineering ABC Letters: Excluded from WoS in June 2024 due to irregular issues and low-quality articles.
5. Recommendations to Prevent Exclusion
- Support for rigorous expert review (double-blind, compliant with ethical standards).
- Strict adherence to the schedule for reporting issues.
- Transparency of financial conditions: Clear information about publication fees.
- Ensuring content quality: English annotations, complete metadata.
- Regular monitoring of indicators: Analysis of citations, certification of anomalies.
Conclusion
Scopus and Web of Science indexing is a strong determinant of a journal’s quality and prestige, but maintaining it requires continuous attention to standards of integrity, publication regularity, and content quality. Removal from the lists of indexed publications damages the reputation of editors and authors and can lead to the loss of important opportunities for researchers. To avoid this risk, editorial boards should implement clear review policies, transparently communicate financial conditions, and constantly monitor publication indicators. Only in this way can a publication remain a recognized platform for publishing and guarantee authors maximum visibility and impact for their research.
