How To Fix EDOCUMENT053 - Cancellation not possible; eDocument has been already approved

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: EDOCUMENT - eDocument: Messages

• Message number: 053

• Message text: Cancellation not possible; eDocument has been already approved

What causes this issue?

You are trying to cancel a document for which an eDocument exists that
has already been approved by the tax authorities.

System Response

The system does not cancel a source document for which an approved
eDocument already exists.

How to fix this error?

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

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message EDOCUMENT053 - Cancellation not possible; eDocument has been already approved ?

  The SAP error message EDOCUMENT053 indicates that a cancellation of an electronic document (eDocument) is not possible because the document has already been approved. This error typically arises in scenarios where electronic documents, such as invoices or tax documents, are managed within the SAP system, particularly in the context of compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
  Cause:
  
  Document Status: The primary cause of this error is that the eDocument you are trying to cancel has already been approved. Once an eDocument is approved, it is often locked for further modifications, including cancellations, to maintain the integrity of the approval process.
  Workflow Restrictions: The workflow associated with the eDocument may have restrictions that prevent cancellation after approval.
  Legal Compliance: Many jurisdictions have strict regulations regarding the modification or cancellation of approved documents, which can lead to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Document Status: Verify the status of the eDocument in question. If it is indeed approved, you will need to follow the appropriate procedures for handling approved documents.
  Reversal Process: Instead of cancellation, check if there is a reversal or correction process available for the specific type of eDocument. Some systems allow for a reversal entry that effectively negates the original document without directly canceling it.
  Consult Documentation: Review the SAP documentation or help files related to eDocuments to understand the specific processes and options available for handling approved documents.
  Contact Support: If you believe that the cancellation should be possible or if you need further assistance, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with SAP experts who can provide guidance based on your specific configuration and business processes.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this error or provide additional context on handling eDocuments.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with the transaction codes related to eDocument processing in your SAP system, as they may provide additional options for managing document statuses.
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that your user role has the necessary permissions to perform actions on eDocuments, as restrictions may vary based on user roles.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the error message and determine the appropriate course of action for the eDocument in question.