How To Fix WS029 - Cancellation (reversal) document & cannot be cancelled

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 029

• Message text: Cancellation (reversal) document & cannot be cancelled

What causes this issue?

<GL:cancellation_document>Cancellation documents</> for invoices and
credit notes cannot be cancelled.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS029 - Cancellation (reversal) document & cannot be cancelled ?

  The SAP error message WS029: "Cancellation (reversal) document & cannot be cancelled" typically occurs when you try to cancel or reverse a document that itself is a cancellation or reversal document. In SAP, cancellation documents are created to reverse the effects of an original document, but these cancellation documents are generally not allowed to be cancelled or reversed again.
  
  Cause:
  
  You are attempting to cancel or reverse a document that is already a cancellation (reversal) document.
  SAP does not allow reversal of reversal documents to maintain data integrity and avoid circular references.
  This error ensures that the document flow remains consistent and prevents logical conflicts in financial or material documents.
  
  
  Explanation:
  
  When you post a document (e.g., an invoice, goods receipt), and then cancel it, SAP creates a reversal document.
  If you try to cancel this reversal document, SAP throws WS029 because the system expects you to cancel the original document instead.
  The system enforces a rule: Only original documents can be reversed, not reversal documents.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Identify the original document:
  
  Find the original document number that was reversed by the cancellation document.
  You can check the document flow or use transaction codes like FB03 (Display Document) to see document relationships.
  
  
  
  Cancel the original document instead:
  
  If you want to undo the reversal, you need to cancel the original document again (if business process allows).
  Alternatively, post a new document to correct the situation rather than trying to cancel the reversal document.
  
  
  
  Check business process:
  
  Confirm with your finance or controlling team whether cancelling the original document is appropriate.
  Sometimes, corrections are done via additional documents rather than cancelling reversals.
  
  
  
  Use proper transaction codes:
  
  For FI documents: Use FB08 to reverse original documents.
  For MM documents: Use MIGO or MBST for cancellation of original material documents.
  Avoid trying to cancel reversal documents directly.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  FB03: Display Document
  FB08: Reverse Document (only original documents)
  MBST: Cancel Material Document
  MIGO: Goods Movement (for cancellations)
  
  
  Document Flow:
  
  Always check document flow to understand the relationship between original and reversal documents.
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  SAP may have notes related to specific modules or document types that explain nuances of cancellation.
  
  
  Business Process:
  
  Cancellation policies may vary by company; ensure compliance with internal controls.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WS029: Cancellation (reversal) document & cannot be cancelled
  
  
  Cause
  Attempting to cancel a reversal document instead of the original document
  
  
  Solution
  Cancel the original document, not the reversal document; check document flow and process
  
  
  Transactions
  FB03, FB08, MBST, MIGO
  
  
  Notes
  Reversal documents are not allowed to be reversed again to maintain data integrity
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the document type or module (FI, MM, SD, etc.), I can give more tailored advice.