How To Fix MG538 - The EAN & cannot be used as the supplier-specific EAN

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MG - Batch input: material master

• Message number: 538

• Message text: The EAN & cannot be used as the supplier-specific EAN

What causes this issue?

You have specified the International Article Number (EAN) &V1& as the
supplier-specific EAN. However, this EAN cannot be used for one of the
following reasons:
The supplier-specific EAN does not exist.
Before a supplier-specific EAN can be created, it must exist as an EAN
for a unit of measure in the relevant material master record or be
created in the same transaction.
The EAN for the relevant unit of measure has been deleted.
As a result, it may no longer exist as the supplier-specific EAN.
The EAN for the relevant unit of measure has been changed.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Depending on the cause:
Create the EAN as a normal EAN for a unit of measure.
If the EAN for the relevant unit of measure has been deleted, you must
also delete it for all suppliers.
If the EAN for the relevant unit of measure has been changed, and you
still want to use the EAN for this unit of measure as the
supplier-specific EAN, you must change it to the new EAN for all
suppliers concerned.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MG538 - The EAN & cannot be used as the supplier-specific EAN ?

  The SAP error message MG538 indicates that the EAN (European Article Number) you are trying to use cannot be utilized as a supplier-specific EAN. This error typically arises in the context of material management and inventory management processes within SAP, particularly when dealing with product master data.
  Cause:
  
  EAN Format Issues: The EAN may not be in the correct format or may not conform to the expected standards.
  Missing Supplier-Specific Data: The EAN might not be linked to the specific supplier in the material master data.
  Incorrect Material Master Configuration: The material master record may not be set up correctly to accept supplier-specific EANs.
  Duplicate EANs: The EAN might already be assigned to another supplier or material, leading to conflicts.
  Inactive or Deleted Records: The EAN may refer to a material or supplier that is inactive or has been deleted.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check EAN Format: Ensure that the EAN you are trying to use is in the correct format and adheres to the standards required by SAP.
  Verify Supplier-Specific Data:
  
  Go to the material master record (transaction code MM03) and check if the EAN is correctly assigned to the supplier.
  Ensure that the supplier-specific EAN is maintained in the relevant views (e.g., Purchasing view).
  
  
  Update Material Master:
  
  If the EAN is not linked to the supplier, you may need to add it. Use transaction code MM02 to update the material master and add the supplier-specific EAN.
  
  
  Check for Duplicates: Ensure that the EAN is not already assigned to another supplier or material. If it is, you may need to resolve the conflict.
  Review Status of Records: Check if the material or supplier is active. If they are inactive or deleted, you may need to reactivate them or create new records.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or your organization's guidelines for managing EANs and supplier-specific data.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: MM01 (Create Material), MM02 (Change Material), MM03 (Display Material).
  Material Master Views: Ensure you are familiar with the relevant views in the material master, especially the Purchasing view where supplier-specific EANs are maintained.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to EANs and supplier data.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to make changes to the material master data.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a functional consultant who specializes in material management.