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Migrating to SAP GTS E4H Before 2025: A Strategic Imperative, Not Just a Technical Upgrade

Updated: Sep 3, 2025

Migrating to SAP GTS E4H Before 2025


The Clock Is Ticking: SAP GTS 11 Mainstream Maintenance Ends December 31, 2025

The deadline for migrating to SAP GTS E4H is fast approaching. With the end of mainstream maintenance for SAP Global Trade Services (GTS) is set for December 31, 2025, businesses relying on older platforms risk facing serious challenges starting January 1, 2026.

Migrating to SAP GTS E4H before 2025 is essential to avoid:

  • No legal updates to global trade regulations or customs content.

  • Loss of support including OSS notes, bug fixes, and security patches.

  • Elevated compliance risks and potential audit exposure.

  • Operational delays in import/export processing.

This deadline is about more than a software sunset; it signals a transformation point for any company managing international trade and regulatory compliance.


SAP GTS, Edition for SAP HANA (E4H): What’s New & Why It Matters

SAP GTS E4H is built on the powerful SAP HANA platform and offers much more than a simple technical migration. It introduces strategic agility by enabling faster, more accurate, and compliant global trade operations:

Upgrade Feature

Strategic Benefit

SAP HANA Platform

Real-time performance and advanced analytics

Modern FIORI UX

Unified and intuitive user experience

Enhanced SPL & Legal Control

Easier Traceability with New Apps and Statuses

CDS-based Analytics

Intelligent insights into trade operations

Introduction of AI

Auto classification of Products with Tariff codes

Comprehensive Trade Coverage in SAP GTS E4H

SAP GTS E4H covers critical global trade functions such as:

  • Classification: Classify Products with Shedule B, Tariff, Taric ECCN & ICCN numbers for compliance and customs Purpose.

  • Compliance Management: Efficient SPL screening, embargo enforcement, license simulations.

  • Customs Processing: Streamlined export/import declarations.

  • Preference Management: Automated management of long-term supplier declarations and origin aggregation.

  • Intrastat Reporting: Support for multi-ERP systems to simplify EU trade compliance.

  • Integration: Seamless integration of SAP S4HANA, Transport Management, Extended Warehouse management and Third Party Vendors.


Consequences of Delayed Migration

Post-2025 delay magnifies risks:

  • Absence of customs/license updates leads to non-compliance.

  • Lack of technical support increases the chance of system failures.

  • Outdated country-specific regulations impact operations.

  • Year-end resource constraints create bottlenecks and escalate costs.

Delayed migration also shortens the timeline to manage dependencies such as backend upgrades, integration customization, and effective pilot cycles.


A Strategic Roadmap for Successful Migration in 2025

  1. Readiness Assessment:Evaluate current SAP GTS configurations, legal content dependencies, and any custom-built elements or integrations.

  2. Define the Migration Approach:Choose among:

    • Brownfield: Reuse existing setups.

    • Greenfield: Redesign processes with a fresh implementation.

    • Bluefield: Combine reuse with interface/UI modernization.

  3. Pilot and Proof of Concept:Validate critical workflows like SPL screening and customs declarations with business and IT involvement.

  4. Budget and Resource Planning:Secure financial and consulting resources early to avoid resource shortages and cost surges in late 2025.


Who Should Prioritize Migration?

  • Companies on SAP GTS 11.0 without future upgrade paths.

  • Businesses dependent on country-specific trade content like EU, US, or APAC.

  • Organizations managing S/4HANA transformations.

  • Global enterprises with increasing trade compliance complexity.


Technical Distinctions of SAP GTS E4H

SAP GTS E4H differs significantly by leveraging:

  • Standalone SAP HANA architecture.

  • Advanced CDS views enabling real-time dashboards.

  • SAP Fiori-centric apps to improve user interaction.

  • Scalability optimized for large customs declarations.

  • In-built compliance for dual-use goods, automated LTSD processing, and harmonized regulations.


Understanding the Business Impact of Migration Delay

The risks extend beyond IT barriers. Delays could cause fines, audit failures, and operational inefficiencies due to manual workarounds. These consequences disrupt supply chains, delay shipments, and create trust issues with partners and customers.


Leveraging SAP GTS E4H for Digital Trade Transformation

The migration is an opportunity to digitize trade compliance. Embedded legal content and live analytics provide proactive insight, while automated workflows reduce human errors in license, embargo checks, and customs declarations. The modern Fiori UX boosts productivity and adoption.


Managing Migration Complexity

The migration involves multiple interface points with ERP and logistics systems. Early mapping of custom developments, integrations, and data flows is paramount. Collaboration among business, IT, and compliance teams ensures critical functions remain effective post-migration.


Best Practices for a Successful Migration

  • Engage stakeholders from finance, compliance, IT, and logistics early.

  • Conduct thorough and multi-layered testing, including functional, security, and user acceptance tests.

  • Use phased rollouts and pilots to minimize disruptions.

  • Prepare users with training and change management initiatives.

  • Continuously monitor and optimize compliance KPIs and system performance post-migration.

 

Final Thoughts: 2025 Is the Year to Act

Migrating to SAP GTS E4H is no longer optional—it is a crucial step to safeguard compliance and streamline global trade operations. Early action is vital to secure expert resources, avoid last-minute cost surges, and ensure a seamless transition that future-proofs the business.


Want help with your GTS E4H journey?

 

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