SAP GTS Implementation Checklist: 8 Critical Steps for European Companies

J Hromek
Aug 11
2 min read

Implementing SAP Global Trade Services (GTS) across European operations isn't just about software deployment—it's about transforming how your business handles international trade compliance. After implementing SAP GTS across 20+ countries, we've identified the critical steps that separate successful deployments from costly failures.

Why European Companies Need SAP GTS Now

European businesses face increasingly complex trade regulations. Between Brexit impacts, EU sanctions updates, and evolving customs procedures, manual compliance management is no longer viable. Companies using SAP GTS report 60-80% reduction in compliance processing time and virtually eliminate costly penalty risks.

The 8-Step SAP GTS Implementation Framework

1. Compliance Requirements Assessment

Before touching any software, map your current trade compliance obligations:

EU Intrastat reporting requirements
Country-specific customs procedures
Industry regulations (chemical, automotive, electronics)
Sanctioned party screening protocols

Tricollis Insight: 70% of implementation delays stem from incomplete requirements gathering. Invest 3-4 weeks in this phase.

2. System Architecture Planning

Determine integration points with existing SAP landscape:

SAP ERP/S/4HANA connectivity
Warehouse management system links
Finance module integration
Third-party logistics connections

3. Master Data Preparation

Clean and structure critical trade data:

Product classifications (HS codes, ECCN numbers)
Business partner information
Country-specific tax codes
Free trade agreement eligibility

4. Compliance Management Configuration

Set up core GTS compliance functions:

Sanctioned party list screening
Export license management
Embargo checking protocols
Anti-dumping duty monitoring

5. Customs Management Setup

Configure automated customs processes:

Declaration generation
Duty calculation
Customs broker integration
Intrastat reporting automation

6. Testing and Validation

Execute comprehensive testing scenarios:

End-to-end transaction flows
Exception handling procedures
Integration stress testing
User acceptance validation

7. User Training and Change Management

Prepare your team for GTS adoption:

Role-based training programs
Process documentation
Support structure establishment
Performance metrics definition

8. Go-Live and Optimization

Execute controlled deployment:

Phased rollout approach
Real-time monitoring
Issue resolution protocols
Continuous improvement processes

Common Implementation Pitfalls to Avoid

Underestimating Integration Complexity: SAP GTS touches multiple systems. Plan for complex data flows and interface requirements.

Insufficient Testing: European compliance requirements vary significantly. Test scenarios for each operating country.

Inadequate Training: Users struggling with new processes create compliance risks. Invest in comprehensive training.

Regional Considerations for European Implementation

Brexit Impact: UK-EU trade now requires full customs declarations. Ensure your GTS configuration handles new documentation requirements.

EU Sanctions Compliance: Rapidly changing sanctions lists require automated screening. Manual processes create dangerous compliance gaps.

Intrastat Reporting: Each EU country has specific requirements. Configure country-specific reporting templates.

ROI Expectations and Timeline

Typical European SAP GTS implementations deliver:

60-80% reduction in compliance processing time
90%+ elimination of manual data entry errors
€50,000-200,000 annual savings in process efficiency
4-8 month implementation timeline for mid-market companies

Next Steps for Your SAP GTS Journey

Ready to eliminate trade compliance headaches? Start with a comprehensive requirements assessment. At Tricollis, we've guided dozens of European companies through successful SAP GTS implementations.

Contact our

team for a free consultation on your SAP GTS implementation strategy.