How To Fix CNV_20900185 - Participating vendors have different VAT (LFA1-STCEG)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CNV_20900 - Message class for package CNV_20900

• Message number: 185

• Message text: Participating vendors have different VAT (LFA1-STCEG)

Diagnosis
According to the mapping, you want to merge two or more old vendor
records into one target vendor record. However, not all the old records
have identical master data settings: It was found that old vendor
records have different VAT Registration Number. (This setting is
determined by the indicator VAT Registration Number, field
<ZH>LFA1-STCEG</>).
This may lead to inconsistencies in some applications related to target
vendor data.
System Response
<ZH>Error</>
From a technical perspective, this message can be ignored. This may make
sense in the following cases:
No postings to the respective vendor records have been made.
The respective vendor records are not used any longer and are meant to
be merged into a dummy record.
Procedure
Analyze the situation, and either change the mapping so that only vendor
records with identical master data settings are merged or decide to
ignore the message because one of the special cases described above
applies.
If you decide to ignore the error even though none of the special cases
described above applies, consider that <ZH>the target vendor record
will get the VAT Registration Number of the old vendor record for which
priority the indicator is set</>. Make sure to evaluate the impact of
this decision - for example regarding potential inconsistencies and
required follow-up activities - <ZH>before</> you continue with the
conversion.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CNV_20900185 - Participating vendors have different VAT (LFA1-STCEG) ?

  The SAP error message CNV_20900185 indicates that there is a discrepancy in the VAT (Value Added Tax) registration numbers for participating vendors in a data migration or conversion process. Specifically, the error points out that the vendors involved have different VAT registration numbers (LFA1-STCEG) which can lead to issues in financial reporting and compliance.
  Cause:
  
  Different VAT Registration Numbers: The primary cause of this error is that the participating vendors have different VAT registration numbers in the system. This can happen if:
  
  The vendors are from different countries or regions with different VAT regulations.
  There are data inconsistencies or errors in the vendor master data.
  The data migration process is attempting to consolidate or compare vendors that should not be compared due to differing VAT statuses.
  
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Verify Vendor Data:
  
  Check the vendor master data (transaction code XK03 or MK03) for the vendors involved. Ensure that the VAT registration numbers (LFA1-STCEG) are correctly entered and consistent where necessary.
  
  
  
  Correct Inconsistencies:
  
  If you find discrepancies, update the vendor master records to ensure that the VAT registration numbers are accurate and reflect the correct information for each vendor.
  
  
  
  Review Data Migration Logic:
  
  If this error occurs during a data migration process, review the logic used to migrate vendor data. Ensure that the migration process is designed to handle vendors with different VAT registration numbers appropriately.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to the specific migration or conversion process you are executing. There may be specific guidelines or best practices for handling VAT discrepancies.
  
  
  
  Engage with SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists or if you need further assistance, consider reaching out to SAP support for guidance. They may provide additional insights or patches that can help resolve the issue.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  LFA1 Table: The vendor master data is stored in the LFA1 table in SAP. The field STCEG corresponds to the VAT registration number.
  VAT Compliance: Ensure that your organization is compliant with local VAT regulations, as discrepancies in VAT registration can lead to legal issues.
  Data Migration Tools: If you are using SAP tools for data migration (like SAP S/4HANA Migration Cockpit), familiarize yourself with the specific requirements and validations that the tool enforces regarding vendor data.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the CNV_20900185 error effectively.