How To Fix W4002 - &: & contract exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W4 - Messages for material discontinuation

• Message number: 002

• Message text: &: & contract exists

What causes this issue?

Contracts exist in plants for this material.

How to fix this error?

Delete the material in a contract or reset the terms of
delivery/payment of a contract. You can then remove the material from
the assortment.
<DS:TRAN.ME33>Proceed</>

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W4002 - &: & contract exists ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W4002 & : & contract exists
  
  Meaning / Cause:
  This warning message typically appears when you attempt to create or modify a document or master data record, and the system detects that a contract already exists for the specified criteria (such as customer, material, or sales area). The message is a warning (not an error), indicating that a contract with the same key data is already present in the system.
  For example, in Sales and Distribution (SD), when creating a sales order or contract, if a contract with the same customer and material combination already exists, SAP issues this warning to prevent duplicate contracts or overlapping agreements.
  
  Common Scenarios:
  
  Creating a new contract for a customer and material combination that already has an active contract.
  Attempting to create a contract with the same contract number or reference.
  During contract renewal or extension, the system detects an existing contract.
  
  
  Solution / How to Handle:
  
  
  Check Existing Contracts:
  
  Use transaction VA43 (Display Contract) or VA42 (Change Contract) to review existing contracts for the customer/material.
  Verify if the existing contract is still valid or if it can be extended/modified instead of creating a new one.
  
  
  
  Decide on Action:
  
  If the existing contract is still valid and meets the requirements, use it instead of creating a new one.
  If a new contract is necessary, ensure that the key fields (contract number, customer, material, validity dates) are unique or do not overlap with existing contracts.
  
  
  
  Adjust Data Entry:
  
  Modify the contract validity dates to avoid overlap.
  Use a different contract type or number if applicable.
  
  
  
  Ignore Warning (if appropriate):
  
  Since W4002 is a warning, you can proceed if you are sure that creating a new contract is correct business-wise.
  However, always confirm with business rules to avoid duplicate or conflicting contracts.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  VA41 – Create Contract
  VA42 – Change Contract
  VA43 – Display Contract
  
  
  Tables:
  
  VBAK – Sales Document: Header Data (contracts are sales documents of type ‘CQ’ or similar)
  VBAP – Sales Document: Item Data
  
  
  Notes:
  
  Check if any user-exits or custom validations are triggering this warning.
  Review contract validity periods carefully to avoid overlaps.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: A contract with the same key data already exists.
  Solution: Review existing contracts, adjust data to avoid duplicates, or proceed if business rules allow.
  Type: Warning message (W4002), not an error.
  
  
  If you need more specific guidance, please provide the transaction or process where this message appears.