What’s New in SAP GTS, Edition for SAP HANA 2023: A Practical Overview

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Introduction: A New Chapter for Global Trade Management

SAP has officially introduced the 2023 edition of SAP GTS (Global Trade Services)tailored for SAP HANA. This version marks a significant shift as GTS 11.0 approaches the end of mainstream maintenance in December 2025. The GTS 2023 release is more than just an upgrade—it brings improved integration, smarter compliance tools, and enhanced localization features.

Let’s unpack what this means for businesses managing global trade compliance, customs processes, and product preference management.

GTS and S/4HANA Can Now Co-Exist

What is Co-deployment?

Up until now, you haven’t been able to install SAP GTS on the same instance as S/4HANA. That’s changed. With the 2023 edition, SAP allows co-deployment—you can install GTS on the same system as S/4HANA, but in a separate client.

This isn’t the same as an embedded system. Instead, it shares infrastructure while maintaining system separation. That brings down the total cost of ownership (TCO) and makes entry-level investment lower.

Pros and Cons of Co-deployment

Pros:

  • Lower infrastructure costs
  • Unified system availability
  • Simpler maintenance for small landscapes

Cons:

  • GTS upgrades may affect S/4 system availability
  • Database size grows with multiple feeder systems
  • Requires careful system availability planning

If your system landscape is straightforward, co-deployment can be a smart move.

SAP GTS

Why Was Co-deployment Not Possible Before?

Earlier, S/4HANA and GTS shared some database tables and application objects. That created conflicts. SAP resolved this by renaming GTS-specific tables and components.

For example, the table /SAPSLL/LCLIC used by both platforms has been renamed in GTS to /SAPSLL/LICHD. The definition remains the same; only the name changes.

The component name has also changed:

  • From SLL-LEG to GTSCORE
  • Application hierarchy moves to FT-LEG
  • Namespace shifts from /ECRS/ to /ECRG/

This makes GTS truly separate from S/4HANA.

Transition Requirements and Risks

To use GTS 2023, your system must meet the following minimum versions:

  • SAP S/4HANA 2022
  • S/4 Foundation 2022 SP02
  • GTS for SAP HANA 2023

SAP has modeled this as a conversion, not an upgrade. During the process, the content from old tables is copied into renamed ones using the Software Update Manager (SUM).

Important note:
If you’re already on S/4 Foundation 2022 and skipped the conversion step, you risk data loss. The SUM phase won’t trigger unless the conditions are right.

Functional Enhancements in GTS 2023

a. Better Trade Compliance Tools

The new version improves how users manage blocked documents and partners. You can now navigate directly from blocked documents to the business partner screening app. It also shows embargo details more clearly and flags confirmed blocked partners for re-evaluation.

Apps like Manage Positive List and Manage Negative List now support sanctioned party screening. This means you can cleanly handle inclusion and removal of business partners from these lists.

Enhanced Preference Management

SAP has made it easier to handle Long-Term Supplier Declarations (LTSDs) and product-level preference data. Key updates include:

  • LTSD Exchange for Intercompany Transfers: GTS now automates LTSD creation, sharing, and confirmation between companies.
  • Product Identifiers Integration: Preference statements are now stored at the product identifier level, improving traceability.
  • Reduced Manual Effort: Automation reduces human input and cuts down errors.

PGA Support for U.S. Customs

For U.S. importers, dealing with Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) like the FDA or EPA is part of the job. SAP GTS 2023 brings simplified import filing through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).

New features include:

  • Customizable datasets per agency and program
  • Classification-based relevance codes for easier compliance
  • Activation by numbering scheme in IMG settings

This helps ensure faster customs clearance and avoids delays at ports.

Localization Footprint is Growing

SAP is expanding its support for country-specific trade rules.

  • Brazil: Now supports both import and export filing integrated with NFe (Nota Fiscal Eletrônica).
  • Malta: Added to the Intrastat reporting member states.

These improvements allow multinational businesses to remain compliant in more jurisdictions without custom developments.

Improved Analytics with SAP BW/4HANA and SAC

Analytics is a critical part of managing trade operations. The 2023 release introduces new BW/4HANA content using CDS Views. This means better reporting capabilities without duplicating data.

Additionally, SAP GTS now supports SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC), enabling real-time dashboards and smart insights into trade compliance and customs data.

Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Move?

If you’re still running on SAP GTS 11.0, now is the time to plan your transition. The 2023 edition of SAP GTS for SAP HANA brings clear advantages:

  • Lower infrastructure costs with co-deployment
  • Smarter compliance and preference handling
  • Stronger support for U.S. customs filing
  • Expanded country localization
  • Better insights through SAP Analytics Cloud

But the move requires careful preparation. Review your system versions, custom code, and upgrade plans. And make sure the SUM phase is executed correctly to avoid data loss.

SAP GTS 2023 is more aligned with the modern S/4HANA landscape than ever. For global businesses, it’s a timely and necessary evolution.

What are the main functions of SAP GTS?

Automated Trade Compliance: Ensures adherence to import/export regulations and sanctions screening.Customs Management: Simplifies declarations, duty calculations, and electronic customs filing.Trade Preference Management: Determines eligibility for preferential trade agreements.Risk Management: Provides screening for restricted parties and embargoed countries.

What new features does SAP GTS, Edition for SAP HANA 2023 introduce?

Co-Deployment with SAP S/4HANA: Allows installation on the same instance.
Improved Partner Government Agency (PGA) Import Filing: Enhanced compliance for U.S. import regulations.Expanded Localization: New country-specific compliance capabilities, including Brazil. Intercompany Long-Term Supplier Declarations (LTSDs): Easier management of preference eligibility across multiple companies.

Q8: Where can I find official documentation and support for SAP GTS?

SAP’s official SAP Help Portal provides detailed documentation and learning resources. Additionally, SAP’s Community Forum and Customer Support channels offer assistance.

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