SAP GTS and best practices for international trade management

We show you the best practices to optimize international trade management with SAP GTS.

International trade has evolved into a complex web of regulations, sanctions, customs procedures, legal requirements, and documentation. For companies actively involved in the import and export of products, managing all of this accurately and efficiently is a priority. This is where SAP Global Trade Services (SAP GTS) comes into play, a specialized solution that optimizes foreign trade processes and ensures compliance with regulations worldwide.

What is SAP GTS?

SAP GTS (Global Trade Services GTS) is software that specializes in improving the management of international trade; with multiple functions, it helps companies comply with customs regulations, perform automatic declarations, verify embargoes, manage export licenses, and avoid sanctions or fines that can affect both the supply chain and corporate reputation.

It has the option to easily integrate with SAP ERP and S/4HANA, leveraging a HANA database that guarantees high performance, constant data availability, and immediate access to critical information for making strategic decisions in real time.

Benefits for companies

Implementing SAP GTS will give you the option to transform a traditionally risky and complex activity into a smooth, secure, and automated operation. Some outstanding advantages:

• Automated processes related to foreign trade.
• Real-time compliance control to avoid errors and penalties.
• Reduced risk associated with embargoes, restricted business partners, and blacklists.
• Optimization of documentation, including certificates, declarations, and proforma invoices.
• Improved communication with customs authorities through electronic and standardized procedures.
• Regulatory compliance according to international legislation, including taxes, tariffs, and specific regulations by country or region.

Best practices in international trade management with SAP GTS

Leveraging SAP GTS is not only about having a good system, but about applying it strategically. These are some of the best practices that leading companies are following:

1. Accurate tariff classification
   Correct classification of goods is essential to avoid penalties. SAP GTS allows you to maintain an updated database of tariff codes, which facilitates regulatory compliance from the first step of the import or export process.
2. Automation of sanctions and embargo control
   The system can automatically scan customers, suppliers, and other business partners to verify that they are not included in sanctions lists. This reduces legal risk and reinforces trade security measures.
3. Efficient management of licenses and authorizations
   The licensing module allows you to control which products require special permits, verify their availability, and relate this information to customs documentation. This helps to avoid delays in transactions and blockages at customs.
4.  Total integration with the ERP system
   By integrating directly with SAP ERP or S/4HANA, SAP GTS allows for complete synchronization of data, documents, and movements. This integration ensures a smooth international trade management process without duplication of information.
5. Training and specialized consulting
   Investing in continuous training and consulting services ensures that the team understands and maximizes the functionality of SAP GTS. This allows the software to be adapted to the internal procedures of each company or industry.
6. Transparency and traceability
   The platform allows you to record each step of the operations, which provides transparency, improves visibility of foreign trade activities, and facilitates internal or external audits.
7.  Automated and proactive compliance
   Regulatory compliance should not be reactive. SAP GTS allows you to configure automatic alerts and preventive controls that ensure transactions align with regulations before they are executed.

For what type of companies is SAP GTS recommended?

Although SAP GTS can be adapted to companies of different sizes, it is especially useful for organizations with frequent import or export operations, highly regulated products, or a presence in multiple countries. Industries such as pharmaceuticals, automotive, technology, consumer goods, and advanced manufacturing often find great value in this solution.

It is also ideal for manufacturers who depend on an international supply chain, where any error can translate into costly delays and legal liability.

SAP GTS in the cloud: availability and scalability

Currently, SAP offers versions of GTS compatible with cloud environments, which allows for greater availability, reduction of physical installation costs, and better scalability. Companies can choose a service model that adapts to their needs, without sacrificing key functionalities.

SAP GTS is the solution that provides control, security, and efficiency through automated processes aligned with current legislation. From counterparty verification to tariff classification, through document handling and communication with authorities, SAP GTS transforms the challenge of foreign trade into a competitive advantage.