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.
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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