The Final Deadline of SAP Compatibility Packs
SAP recently announced a significant, yet final, adjustment for organizations transitioning to SAP S/4HANA On-Premise: Usage rights for the so-called SAP Compatibility Packs (CPs) have been extended one last time, now expiring on May 31, 2026.
What Exactly Are SAP Compatibility Packs?
SAP Compatibility Packs provide technically outdated SAP ECC functionalities in SAP S/4HANA. However, these are strictly limited in terms of licensing rights. They were created to facilitate the transition, as a direct replacement for every classic function was not immediately available in the new SAP S/4HANA architecture.
It is essential to understand: Compatibility Packs are a transitional solution, not a permanent fix. Their purpose is to safeguard business processes during the migration phase as organizations move to strategic, native S/4HANA solutions.
The New Deadline: What Does the Extension Until May 2026 Mean?
Originally, usage rights for the Compatibility Packs were scheduled to expire on December 31, 2025. The newly announced five-month extension is a final reprieve. SAP has made it clear that there will be no further extensions.
After May 31, 2026, all rights to use these components will expire permanently. Continued use beyond this date constitutes a licensing violation and will not be supported or maintained by SAP.
Why You Should Act Now - Despite the Extension
The additional five months are not an invitation to delay action, but rather a final opportunity to realign your SAP migration roadmap. Migrating processes currently covered by Compatibility Packs to native SAP S/4HANA functionalities—or to alternative solutions—is often a standalone project requiring significant time and resources.
Organizations should act now to:
- Avoid compliance risks
- Transition to innovative and streamlined S/4HANA processes
- Create a future-proof IT landscape without legacy dependencies
Exceptions Prove the Rule: These SAP Compatibility Packs Will Run Until 2030
As is often the case, there are a few exceptions to the general deadline for the end of SAP Compatibility Packs. SAP has announced extended use until the end of 2030 for certain functional areas. This applies to the following Compatibility Packs:
- Transportation (LE-TRA)
- Customer Service (CS)
- Production Planning – Process Industries (PP-PI)
This means that these CPs can be used for significantly longer than most of the other Compatibility Packs.
Overview of Usage Periods for SAP Compatibility Packs
- Check for exceptions (special cases): Is the package Transportation (LE-TRA), Customer Service (CS), or Production Planning – Process Industries (PP-PI)? Yes: The right of use automatically applies until the end of 2030 (regardless of the contract). No: Continue to step 2.
- Check the cloud contract: Is your SAP S/4HANA system operated as part of a cloud subscription (e.g., RISE with SAP)? Yes: The right of use is extended for all packages until the end of 2030. No: Continue to step 3.
- Check hybrid licensing: Is the SAP S/4HANA system operated on-premise, but you already have sufficient licenses for the corresponding cloud solution? Yes: The right of use is extended until the end of 2030 (but only for the specific package for which you purchased the cloud license). No: The right of use ends definitively on May 31, 2026.
Our Services: Your Partner for a Secure SAP S/4HANA Future
As an experienced SAP partner, we guide you safely through the complexities of SAP S/4HANA migration. We support you not only in analyzing your Compatibility Packs but also in developing a pragmatic, future-ready roadmap for their replacement.
- Analysis Workshop: Joint evaluation of your SAP Readiness Check / SAP EarlyWatch Alert
- Strategy Development: Definition of optimal target solutions for your processes
- Implementation Support: Project management and technical implementation
Conclusion: Set the Course Now
The final extension for SAP Compatibility Packs is not a reason to relax, but a last call to action. Use this remaining time to future-proof your SAP landscape and unlock the full potential of SAP S/4HANA. Don’t wait until the deadline, act now!
