How To Fix WSUBST021 - Cannot delete all items

WSUBST021 - Overview

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WSUBST - Substitution Article Handling

• Message number: 021

• Message text: Cannot delete all items

What causes this issue?

Based on the current Customizing settings, the system could not delete
all items. The period between the substitution date and the current date
is shorter than the minimum retention period defined in Customizing for
entries in the assignment table.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

You can define the minimum retention period of assignment table entries
in the IMG activity <DS:TRAS.S_PR0_40000103> Activate/Process
Substitution Processing</>.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WSUBST021 - Cannot delete all items ?

  SAP Error Message:
  WSUBST021 - Cannot delete all items
  
  
  Cause:
  This error typically occurs when you attempt to delete all items in a document or a business object, but the system does not allow it because at least one item must remain. In many SAP transactions or business objects (such as sales orders, purchase orders, or service notifications), the system requires at least one item line to be present. Deleting all items would leave the document incomplete or invalid, which is why the system prevents this action.
  
  When does it occur?
  
  When trying to delete all line items in a document (e.g., sales order, service notification, or other transactional documents).
  When the business logic or validation rules enforce that a document must have at least one item.
  Sometimes during mass changes or custom developments where item deletion is automated.
  
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the document requirements:
  Ensure that the document type or business object allows deletion of all items. Usually, it does