How To Fix EI356 - & and & are identical!

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: EI - Foreign Trade: Gen. Output

• Message number: 356

• Message text: & and & are identical!

What causes this issue?

You have entered &V1& and &V2& as the same character string, which is
not permitted.

System Response

The system does not allow this entry.

How to fix this error?

Correct your entry.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message EI356 - & and & are identical! ?

  The SAP error message EI356, which states that "& and & are identical," typically occurs in the context of data entry or configuration where the system detects that two values that are expected to be different are actually the same. This can happen in various scenarios, such as when defining characteristics, variants, or other data entries where uniqueness is required.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Entries: The most common cause is that the user is trying to create or modify an entry that has the same value as an existing entry.
  Configuration Issues: In some cases, the error may arise from incorrect configuration settings where the system expects unique identifiers or values.
  Data Integrity: The error can also indicate a violation of data integrity rules within the system, where certain fields must remain unique.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check for Duplicates: Review the entries you are trying to create or modify. Ensure that the values you are entering are indeed unique and do not match any existing entries.
  Modify Values: If you find that the values are identical, change one of them to a unique value that complies with the system's requirements.
  Review Configuration: If the error persists, check the configuration settings related to the area where the error occurred. Ensure that the settings allow for the intended data structure and uniqueness.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance related to the module or transaction you are working with.
  Seek Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on where the error occurs, you may be using specific transaction codes (e.g., MM01 for material master, VA01 for sales orders, etc.).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Forums: SAP Community and other user forums can be valuable resources for finding similar issues and solutions shared by other users.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the EI356 error and implement a solution to resolve it.