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TISAX Compliance
What It Is and How to Get Certified
Ensure your business meets the strictest cybersecurity standards for the automotive industry. Discover what TISAX is, who needs it, and how Ciegate can guide you through every step. In today’s highly interconnected automotive and industrial sectors, protecting sensitive data isn’t optional — it’s essential. The Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX) is the leading framework that helps businesses demonstrate they meet rigorous information security requirements, particularly for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and their supply chains.
What is TISAX?
TISAX stands for Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange. It is a standardized framework created to help organizations within the automotive industry evaluate and demonstrate their compliance with high-level information security standards.
Developed by the ENX Association and supported by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), TISAX is based on internationally recognized standards like ISO/IEC 27001 and 27002, with additional controls specifically designed for the automotive supply chain.
Unlike internal IT policies or one-time assessments, TISAX creates a shared and recognized assessment model. Once your company is certified, your results can be exchanged with partners securely through the TISAX Exchange platform — which saves time, avoids duplicate audits, and ensures all parties follow the same security baseline.
Understanding the TISAX Levels
TISAX defines three Assessment Levels (AL) depending on the sensitivity of the information and the degree of protection required. Choosing the right level is crucial — and it’s usually determined by the needs of your client.
AL1 – Basic Protection
- Self-assessment (no external audit)
- For companies handling non-critical or publicly available information
- Rarely accepted by OEMs for sensitive projects
AL2 – High Protection
- External audit required
- For companies accessing confidential data, such as design files or operational data
- Most common level requested by automotive partners
AL3 – Very High Protection
- External audit with deeper controls and stricter validation
- Required when handling prototypes, classified technical data, or data critical to national security
- Applies to select suppliers in advanced R&D or pre-production environments
Choosing the right level isn’t about guessing — it’s about understanding the expectations of your partners. That’s where working with an experienced IT advisor can make all the difference.
The TISAX Certification Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Registration
- Companies must register on the official TISAX platform hosted by the ENX Association.
- During registration, you’ll define the scope of your assessment (sites, services, data types, etc.).
Step 2: Choose an Authorized Audit Provider
- Companies must register on the official TISAX platform hosted by the ENX Association.
- During registration, you’ll define the scope of your assessment (sites, services, data types, etc.).
Step 3: Prepare for the Audit
- Conduct an internal pre-assessment.
- Close any major gaps related to information security, infrastructure, or data protection.
- Prepare documentation that supports your security practices.
Step 4: External Audit
- The authorized auditor reviews your documentation, conducts interviews, and verifies your security measures.
- The depth of the audit depends on your chosen Assessment Level (AL1, AL2, or AL3).
Step 5: Exchange of Assessment Results
- Once the audit is complete, results are uploaded securely to the TISAX Exchange platform.
- Only authorized partners (like your OEM clients) can access your certification status.
How Ciegate Can Help with Your TISAX Journey
Achieving TISAX certification can be complex, especially when you’re navigating client demands, technical documentation, and strict security expectations. That’s why having a trusted IT and compliance partner makes all the difference.
What does TISAX stand for?
TISAX means Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange. It’s a European industry framework that ensures companies, especially in the automotive sector, meet strict cybersecurity standards and can exchange assessment results securely with partners.
What is the difference between TISAX and ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 is a general international standard for information security management. TISAX is based on ISO 27001, but adds automotive-specific controls and a shared assessment exchange model. If you’re in the automotive supply chain, TISAX is often mandatory, whereas ISO 27001 may not be enough.
Who needs TISAX certification?
Any company that works with European automotive manufacturers and handles confidential data, prototypes, or IT systems may need TISAX. This includes parts suppliers, logistics companies, software vendors, engineering firms, and even marketing or analytics providers.
How much does TISAX certification cost?
Costs vary depending on the assessment level, scope, and audit provider. Typically, organizations should expect a range between $5,000 and $20,000, including preparation and auditing fees. Ciegate can help you estimate and reduce unnecessary costs.
How long does it take to get TISAX certified?
On average, between 3 to 6 months, depending on your organization’s readiness and the scope of the assessment. Preparation time, internal process maturity, and audit provider availability all play a role.
Is TISAX certification mandatory?
TISAX is not a legal requirement, but many OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers now make it mandatory for their vendors. If your client requires it, not being certified could mean losing business opportunities.