VA01 - Material AS_ECIR_TECH1 has status: Sales not allowed

Dear Gurus,

In a sales order VA01, after entering a material with all relevant information such as quantities etc. I get this message at the bottom of the page:

"Material AS_ECIR_TECH1 has status: Sales not allowed"

1- What does that mean?

2- How can I change this status so that I can input this order?

Please advise

Regards

Chris