Post-Processing in SAP GTS: Explanation & Impact

🔹 What is Post-Processing in SAP GTS?

Post-processing in SAP Global Trade Services (GTS) is the process of correcting, updating, or resubmitting customs export declarations to ensure compliance with customs regulations. It is required when a customs declaration encounters errors, needs amendments, or requires reprocessing due to changes in export data.

🔹 Purpose of Post-Processing in SAP GTS

Post-processing is essential to:
✅ Fix Errors – Address incorrect or missing data in customs declarations.
✅ Update Information – Modify details due to changes in export data.
✅ Resubmit Declarations – Resolve rejected customs documents and send them back for approval.
✅ Ensure Compliance – Align customs declarations with regulatory requirements.

🔹 Types of Post-Processing in SAP GTS

SAP GTS provides multiple ways to apply post-processing based on the nature and severity of the issue:

Type	Method	Usage Scenario
Manual Post-Processing	The user manually corrects and releases the blocked document	Used for errors that require human intervention, such as missing customs codes or incorrect values.
Automatic Post-Processing	The system automatically corrects minor issues without user intervention	Used for minor errors like rounding differences or missing references.
IDoc-Based Post-Processing	Errors in IDocs (electronic documents) are reviewed and corrected	Used when errors occur during electronic data exchange with customs or logistics partners.
Customs Authority Requests	Customs requests corrections before processing the declaration	Used when customs authorities need additional information or changes before clearance.

🔹 How Post-Processing Happens in SAP GTS

1️⃣ Manual Post-Processing in SAP GTS

🔹 When a customs declaration has critical errors, SAP GTS blocks further processing with a red flag. The user must manually review and fix the errors.

How to Perform Manual Post-Processing in SAP GTS

1️⃣ Access the Customs Declaration

• Go to SAP GTS → Customs Management → Export Declaration.

2️⃣ Identify the Issue

• Open the document and check the error messages or IDoc log for details.

3️⃣ Make Necessary Corrections

• Update required fields (e.g., quantity, classification code, invoice details).

4️⃣ Manually Release the Block

• Navigate to Edit → Post-Processing → Complete to remove the flag.

5️⃣ Resubmit the Declaration

• Send the corrected declaration back to customs for processing.

6️⃣ Verify Status

• Ensure that the declaration is successfully processed by customs.

Example:

A company exports electronic goods, but the customs declaration is blocked due to an incorrect commodity code.
✔ The user reviews the error log and updates the correct commodity code.
✔ The manual block is removed, and the document is reprocessed.
✔ The declaration is successfully accepted by customs, allowing the shipment to proceed.

2️⃣ Automatic Post-Processing in SAP GTS

🔹 In some cases, SAP GTS can automatically correct minor errors without manual intervention.

How Automatic Post-Processing Works

✔ When SAP GTS detects an inconsistency that can be corrected automatically (e.g., minor rounding issues), it triggers an automatic post-processing job.
✔ The system updates the data and resubmits the declaration to customs.
✔ If the issue is critical, the system raises an alert for manual intervention.

Example:

An exporter submits a customs declaration with a minor rounding difference in the invoice amount.
✔ SAP GTS automatically adjusts the value within the acceptable tolerance limit.
✔ The declaration is resubmitted without requiring manual intervention.

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3️⃣ IDoc-Based Post-Processing in SAP GTS

🔹 Errors may occur when transmitting electronic customs documents through IDocs (Intermediate Documents).

How IDoc-Based Post-Processing Works

✔ When an IDoc contains errors, SAP GTS flags the document and prevents further processing.
✔ The user must review the IDoc error log and correct the issue.
✔ After corrections, the IDoc is reprocessed, and the declaration is resubmitted.

Example:

A customs declaration fails because the customs office code is missing in the IDoc.
✔ The user checks the IDoc log, adds the missing code, and reprocesses the IDoc.
✔ The corrected document is successfully transmitted to customs.

4️⃣ Customs Authority Requests in SAP GTS

🔹 Customs authorities may request changes before clearing a declaration.

How Customs Authority Requests Work

✔ If customs requires additional information or corrections, they send a request to the exporter.
✔ The customs declaration is flagged in SAP GTS.
✔ The user reviews the request, updates the document, and resubmits it.

Example:

Customs requests a corrected invoice for a shipment.
✔ The user updates the invoice details and resubmits the declaration.
✔ Customs approves the revised declaration, allowing shipment clearance.

🔹 Technical Impact of Post-Processing on Customs Declarations

Scenario	Impact on Export Declaration
Manual Post-Processing Applied	🚫 The declaration is blocked until corrections are made.
Automatic Post-Processing Applied	✅ The system corrects minor issues and resubmits automatically.
IDoc-Based Errors Not Fixed	❌ The customs system rejects the declaration, delaying shipment.
Customs Request Not Addressed	⚠️ Non-compliance may lead to penalties or shipment holds.

🔹 Key Takeaways

✔ Post-processing ensures error-free customs declarations.
✔ It can be manual, automatic, IDoc-based, or customs-requested.
✔ Delayed post-processing affects shipments and compliance.
✔ Proper handling ensures smooth export operations.

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