How To Fix VA165 - Item category &1 is already assigned to this sales document type.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VA - Output for CAS Sales Activities

• Message number: 165

• Message text: Item category &1 is already assigned to this sales document type.

What causes this issue?

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

System Response

How to fix this error?

If you cannot see all item categories that are assigned to this sales
document type and item category group, navigate to the details.

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 VA165 - Item category &1 is already assigned to this sales document type. ?

  The SAP error message VA165 indicates that the item category specified in the sales document is already assigned to the sales document type. This typically occurs when there is an attempt to create or modify a sales document (like a sales order) and the system detects that the item category is already linked to the document type in question.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Assignment: The item category is already assigned to the sales document type, and the system does not allow multiple assignments of the same item category to the same document type.
  Configuration Issues: There may be a configuration issue in the item category settings or the sales document type settings in the SAP system.
  Incorrect Document Type: The user may be trying to use an item category that is not compatible with the selected sales document type.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Item Category Assignment:
  
  Go to the configuration settings in SAP (Transaction code: SPRO).
  Navigate to Sales and Distribution > Sales > Sales Document > Define Item Categories.
  Verify the assignment of item categories to sales document types and ensure that the item category is not already assigned.
  
  
  
  Review Sales Document Type:
  
  Check the sales document type being used and ensure that it is appropriate for the item category you are trying to use.
  If necessary, create a new item category or modify the existing one to fit the requirements.
  
  
  
  Use a Different Item Category:
  
  If the item category is indeed already assigned, consider using a different item category that is compatible with the sales document type.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help resources for more detailed information on item category and sales document type configurations.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists and you cannot resolve it through configuration, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  VA01 (Create Sales Order)
  VA02 (Change Sales Order)
  VA03 (Display Sales Order)
  SPRO (SAP Reference IMG for configuration)
  
  
  
  Item Category Determination: The item category is determined based on various factors such as sales document type, item category group, and the sales organization. Ensure that these settings are correctly configured.
  
  
  Customizing: If you have custom item categories or sales document types, ensure that they are correctly set up in the system.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.