How To Fix W0168 - Enter a permitted material type

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W0 - Customizing - ISR

• Message number: 168

• Message text: Enter a permitted material type

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W0168 - Enter a permitted material type ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W0168 - Enter a permitted material type
  
  Cause:
  This warning message appears when you try to enter or use a material type in a transaction or master data record that is not allowed or not permitted in the current context. For example, you might be trying to create or change a material with a material type that is not assigned or allowed for the particular plant, sales organization, or transaction.
  Common scenarios include:  
  
  The material type you entered is not assigned to the organizational unit or transaction.  
  The material type is not maintained in the allowed material types for the specific process (e.g., sales order, purchase order, inventory management).  
  You are trying to use a material type that is restricted or not configured in the system for the current operation.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Material Type Configuration:  
  
  Go to transaction OMS2 (Material Types) and verify the material type you are trying to use exists and is active.  
  Check if the material type is correctly configured for the business process you are performing.
  
  
  
  Verify Allowed Material Types for the Transaction:  
  
  For sales documents, check the allowed material types in the sales document type configuration (transaction VOV8).  
  For purchasing documents, check the allowed material types in the purchasing document type configuration (transaction OMWN or relevant IMG path).  
  For inventory or plant-specific restrictions, check the material master or plant-specific settings.
  
  
  
  Check User Input:  
  
  Ensure that the material type entered is correct and permitted for the operation.  
  If you are creating a new material, select a material type that is allowed for the plant or sales area.
  
  
  
  Adjust Customizing if Needed:  
  
  If the material type should be allowed but is not, update the customizing settings to permit the material type for the relevant organizational units or transactions.
  
  
  
  Consult with SAP Functional Consultant:  
  
  If unsure about the correct material types or configuration, consult with a SAP MM/SD consultant to verify the business process and system settings.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction OMS2: Maintain Material Types  
  Transaction VOV8: Sales Document Types (check allowed material types)  
  IMG Path:  
  
  Logistics ? Materials Management ? Material Master ? Basic Settings ? Material Types  
  Sales and Distribution ? Sales ? Sales Documents ? Sales Document Header ? Define Sales Document Types  
  
  
  Material types define the attributes and controls for materials (e.g., raw materials, finished products, services).  
  Material types control number ranges, field selection, and allowed transactions.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  The message W0168 indicates that the material type you entered is not permitted in the current context. Verify the material type configuration and allowed material types for the transaction or organizational unit, correct the input, or adjust customizing settings accordingly.