In an SAP ERP system, a purchase order line item is identified as a return primarily by the "Returns Item" flag being set in the item details. This is the most direct and standard system indicator (field EKPO-RETPO). Activating this flag informs the system to process subsequent goods movements as a return to the vendor (e.g., using movement type 161) and to expect a credit memo.

Additionally, a specific confirmation control key is often used to manage the logistics of the returns process. While the key itself does not have a "returns" setting, a key can be configured and assigned to monitor the return shipment or track the subsequent replacement delivery from the vendor, thus serving as a process-level indicator.

C. The Negative Net amount is shown at the line item detail level.

The net price on a returns PO item represents the expected credit and is entered as a positive value. The negative financial posting occurs during invoice verification (credit memo).

D. The Confirmation Control is required at the line item detail level.

While useful for managing returns logistics, assigning a confirmation control key is not a mandatory system requirement for every returns purchase order item.

1. SAP Help Portal

SAP S/4HANA

Creating a Returns Purchase Order Item: "On the item detail screen

set the Returns Item indicator. The system can then

at the time of goods receipt

post the items back into stock." This documentation directly supports that the "Returns Item" flag (Answer B) is the primary indicator.

2. SAP Help Portal

SAP S/4HANA Cloud

Supplier Returns (BKP)

Key Process Steps: "Create returns purchase order... In the returns purchase order

you can use a confirmation control key to monitor the return process." This source confirms that a confirmation control key is a tool used within the returns process (supporting Answer A).

3. SAP Help Portal

SAP S/4HANA

Advanced Returns Management for Supplier Returns: "The system uses the confirmation control key that you enter in the returns purchase order item to determine whether it must create an inbound delivery as the warehouse request." This further validates the role of the confirmation control key (Answer A) in managing the logistics associated with a return.