How To Fix WES_OUTBOUND409 - EAN for material &1 and unit of measure &2 has more than 14 digits

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WES_OUTBOUND - Messages for Outbound Services

• Message number: 409

• Message text: EAN for material &1 and unit of measure &2 has more than 14 digits

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WES_OUTBOUND409 - EAN for material &1 and unit of measure &2 has more than 14 digits ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WES_OUTBOUND409
  
  Text: EAN for material &1 and unit of measure &2 has more than 14 digits
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs because the EAN (European Article Number) or GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) assigned to a material in SAP exceeds the allowed length of 14 digits. According to GS1 standards, EAN/GTIN codes should be 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits long. If the EAN stored in the material master or outbound delivery exceeds 14 digits, the system raises this error during outbound processing (e.g., delivery creation, IDoc generation, or EDI processing).
  
  Where it typically occurs:
  
  During outbound delivery processing or shipment creation.
  When generating IDocs or EDI messages that include EAN/GTIN data.
  In interfaces with external systems (e.g., warehouse, logistics partners) that validate EAN length.
  In barcode printing or scanning processes.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the EAN/GTIN length in the material master:
  
  Go to transaction MM03 (Display Material).
  Navigate to the Additional Data tab or Barcode tab (depending on SAP version).
  Check the EAN/GTIN assigned to the material for the specified unit of measure.
  Verify if the EAN length is more than 14 digits.
  
  
  
  Correct the EAN/GTIN:
  
  If the EAN is incorrect or too long, update it to a valid EAN/GTIN with 14 or fewer digits.
  Use transaction MM02 (Change Material) to correct the barcode.
  If multiple EANs exist for different units of measure, ensure each EAN complies with the length rule.
  
  
  
  Validate EAN data source:
  
  If EANs are loaded via interfaces or master data uploads, check the source files or middleware for incorrect EAN lengths.
  Correct the source data and reload if necessary.
  
  
  
  Check custom validations or user exits:
  
  Sometimes custom code or validations enforce EAN length.
  Review any user exits or BADIs related to delivery or EAN processing.
  
  
  
  If EAN length >14 is business requirement:
  
  This is generally not recommended as it violates GS1 standards.
  If unavoidable, check if the interface or process can be adjusted to handle longer codes (not standard SAP behavior).
  Consult with SAP support or GS1 standards authority.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  
  EAN/GTIN standards:  
  
  GTIN-8: 8 digits  
  GTIN-12 (UPC): 12 digits  
  GTIN-13 (EAN-13): 13 digits  
  GTIN-14: 14 digits (used for higher packaging levels)
  
  
  
  SAP enforces these standards to ensure compatibility with external systems and barcode scanners.
  
  
  The error message is part of the SAP EWM or LE-WM (Logistics Execution - Warehouse Management) or shipping process validations.
  
  
  If you are using SAP EDI or IDoc interfaces (e.g., DESADV), the EAN length must comply with the receiving partner's requirements.
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  EAN for material &1 and UoM &2 > 14 digits
  
  
  Cause
  EAN/GTIN length exceeds 14 digits (invalid)
  
  
  Solution
  Correct EAN length in material master (=14 digits)
  
  
  Check
  Material master data, interfaces, custom code
  
  
  Standards
  GS1 EAN/GTIN standards (8,12,13,14 digits)
  
  
  
  
  If you need help identifying the material or unit of measure causing the issue, check the error log or IDoc segment where the error occurs.
  
  Let me know if you want guidance on how to update the EAN in SAP or check the relevant tables!