How To Fix COM_PRODUCT_CUSTMSG016 - Category ID '&1' contains invalid special characters

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: COM_PRODUCT_CUSTMSG - Product: Customer-Specific Messages

• Message number: 016

• Message text: Category ID '&1' contains invalid special characters

What causes this issue?

Your category ID contains at least one invalid special character. If you
intend to maintain object dependencies for this category, you cannot use
a category ID which contains special characters.
Categories correspond to classes and special characters are not allowed
for classes in the SAP system. If you intend to transfer data from the
CRM system to an SAP system and want to avoid extensive mapping,
category IDs should not contain any special characters.

How to fix this error?

Only use alphanumeric characters, meaning uppercase characters from A to
Z, numbers from 0 to 9, and, if necessary, underscores.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message COM_PRODUCT_CUSTMSG016 - Category ID '&1' contains invalid special characters ?

  The SAP error message COM_PRODUCT_CUSTMSG016 indicates that there are invalid special characters in the Category ID specified in your system. This error typically arises when the Category ID does not conform to the expected format or contains characters that are not allowed.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Characters: The Category ID may contain special characters that are not permitted by SAP. This can include symbols, punctuation, or spaces that are not valid in the context of the Category ID.
  Incorrect Input: The Category ID might have been entered incorrectly, either by a user or through an automated process.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration settings in your SAP system that define what constitutes a valid Category ID, and the current input does not meet those criteria.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check the Category ID: Review the Category ID you are trying to use. Ensure that it only contains valid alphanumeric characters (letters and numbers) and does not include any special characters or spaces.
  Refer to Documentation: Consult the SAP documentation or your organization's guidelines for the valid format of Category IDs. This will help you understand what characters are allowed.
  Modify Input: If you find invalid characters, modify the Category ID to remove or replace them with valid characters.
  Validation: Implement validation checks in your input forms or processes to prevent invalid Category IDs from being entered in the future.
  Testing: After making changes, test the input again to ensure that the error does not occur.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific updates or patches related to this error message. Sometimes, SAP releases notes that provide additional context or solutions for specific error messages.
  Transaction Codes: You may want to use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) or SE37 (Function Module) to investigate how Category IDs are defined and validated in your system.
  User Exits or BAdIs: If you have custom developments, check for any user exits or BAdIs that might be affecting the validation of Category IDs.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.