How To Fix WE070 - You cannot change the EAN category for the EAN &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WE - Messages for EAN Customizing and for EAN management in MM_BD

• Message number: 070

• Message text: You cannot change the EAN category for the EAN &

What causes this issue?

You wanted to change the <DS:GLOS.EAN_category>EAN category</> for an
existing EAN. This is not allowed since an EAN is uniquely assigned to
a single EAN category.

System Response

The system resets the new EAN category.

How to fix this error?

If a new EAN is to be assigned <ZH>internally</>, delete the previous
EAN and specify an EAN category.
If a new EAN is to be assigned <ZH>externally</>, the system determines
the relevant EAN category automatically.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WE070 - You cannot change the EAN category for the EAN & ?

  Certainly! Here's detailed information about the SAP error message WE070:
  
  SAP Error Message: WE070
  Text: You cannot change the EAN category for the EAN &
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you attempt to change the EAN category (European Article Number category) for an existing EAN (barcode) in the system. The EAN category is a classification that defines the type or usage of the EAN, and once assigned and used in the system, it cannot be changed because it may affect data consistency and integrity.
  In other words, the system prevents changing the category of an already existing EAN to avoid inconsistencies in master data or transactional data where the EAN is referenced.
  
  When does it occur?
  
  When you try to modify the EAN category in the material master or in the EAN master data.
  When you try to update/change the EAN category in transaction codes related to EAN maintenance.
  When the EAN is already assigned and used in documents or master data, and you try to change its category.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  Do not change the EAN category for an existing EAN. Instead, if you need a different category, you should:
  
  Delete the existing EAN (if possible and if it is not used in any documents or master data).
  Create a new EAN with the correct category.
  
  
  Check if the EAN is used in any documents or master data. If it is, you may need to:
  
  Remove or adjust those references before deleting or changing the EAN.
  
  
  If deletion is not possible due to usage, consider creating a new EAN with the desired category and assign it accordingly.
  Always ensure that changes to EANs comply with your organization's data governance policies.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  MM02 - Change Material Master (EANs are maintained here under Basic Data or Additional Data)
  MM01 - Create Material Master
  MM03 - Display Material Master
  WE20 - Partner Profiles (for EDI, where EANs might be relevant)
  
  
  Tables:
  
  MARA - General Material Data
  MARC - Plant Data for Material
  EAN* tables (e.g., EANLH for EAN master data)
  
  
  Notes and Documentation:
  
  SAP Notes related to EAN management and barcode handling.
  SAP Help Portal documentation on material master and barcode/EAN management.
  
  
  Best Practices:
  
  Plan EAN categories carefully before creation.
  Avoid changing key attributes of barcodes/EANs once they are in use.
  Use consistent EAN management processes to avoid data inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  
  If you need further assistance, please provide the context in which you encountered this error (e.g., transaction code, process step), and I can help with more specific guidance.