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.

If you’re a supplier, service provider, or partner working with European automotive companies, chances are you’ve been asked to become TISAX certified. But what does that actually mean? What does the process involve? And most importantly — how do you get there without getting lost in a sea of technical requirements?

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• What TISAX is and how it works
• Who needs to be certified (and why)
• How certification levels affect your business
• What the assessment process looks like
• How a trusted IT security partner like Ciegate can make it seamless

Whether you’re just hearing about TISAX or you’re actively preparing for an audit, this page will give you clear, actionable answers — and show you how to get compliant with confidence.

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.

Key facts about TISAX:

• Not a legal requirement, but a de facto industry standard, especially in Europe.
• Focuses on confidentiality, availability, integrity, and increasingly, data protection (GDPR).
• Required by OEMs like Volkswagen Group, BMW, and others for any third-party handling sensitive information, prototypes, or production data.

TISAX at a Glance

Here’s a quick overview of what TISAX is and why it matters:

• Created by: ENX Association and German VDA
• Based on: ISO/IEC 27001 + sector-specific extensions
• Focus: Data confidentiality, integrity, availability & GDPR alignment
• Required by: OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers in the automotive industry
• Exchange model: Results shared securely via the TISAX platform
• Certificate validity: Typically 3 years
• Applies to: Manufacturers, suppliers, IT service providers, consultants
• Main use cases: Prototype protection, production process security, data handling

In short: TISAX certification is how you prove to partners — especially in Europe — that your business meets high information security standards.

Who Needs TISAX Certification?

TISAX certification isn’t just for large automakers — it’s for any company that handles sensitive information within the automotive value chain. Whether you’re building parts, offering digital services, or supporting OEMs with logistics or design, TISAX may already be on your radar.

You need TISAX if your company:

• Processes confidential data shared by clients or partners
• Handles product prototypes or design documentation
• Provides cloud services or infrastructure to manufacturers
• Operates within the supply chain of an OEM or Tier-1 company
• Wants to win contracts with German or European automotive leaders

Typical companies seeking certification:

• Automotive part manufacturers
• Engineering firms and R&D labs
• Logistics and supply chain companies
• IT service providers and SaaS platforms
• Digital marketing or analytics agencies serving automakers

If you’re unsure whether you fall into one of these categories, just ask: many companies discover they need to comply with TISAX only after a client requests it.

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

Successfully achieving TISAX certification involves a structured process. While every company’s journey may look slightly different, the core steps are standardized across the industry.

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

• TISAX audits must be performed by approved external audit providers (also called “Audit Providers”).
• Ciegate can assist you in selecting a trusted, accredited partner aligned with your industry and timeline.

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.

Important to Know:
TISAX certificates typically remain valid for three years, but organizations are expected to maintain compliance continuously and may undergo follow-up assessments if required.

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.

At Ciegate Technologies, we support businesses at every stage of the TISAX process — from the initial scoping phase to post-certification monitoring.

Here’s how we help:

• Readiness Assessment: We evaluate your current security posture against TISAX requirements.
• Gap Analysis & Action Plan: We identify what’s missing and build a roadmap to get you certified.
• Documentation Support: Policies, controls, and technical evidence — built for clarity and auditor approval.
• Audit Preparation & Guidance: We walk you through exactly what to expect from external auditors.
• Post-Certification Monitoring: TISAX compliance doesn’t end with the certificate — we help you stay audit-ready.

With years of experience supporting regulated industries like automotive, manufacturing, and tech, we don’t just understand TISAX — we know how to implement it in a way that’s strategic, efficient, and tailored to your business.

Frequently Asked Questions about TISAX

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 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.

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.

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.

Topic	Key Information
Meaning	Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange
Created by	ENX Association with German VDA support
Main Focus	Confidentiality, data integrity, GDPR compliance
Required for	Automotive suppliers, IT service providers, logistics firms
Assessment Levels	AL1 (Basic), AL2 (High), AL3 (Very High)
Certification Validity	3 years
Ciegate’s Role	Preparation, gap analysis, documentation, audit readiness

Ready to Simplify Your TISAX Journey?

Achieving TISAX certification doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right support, you can navigate the process confidently, meet client demands, and strengthen your company’s reputation for data security.

At Ciegate Technologies, we combine real-world IT expertise with a deep understanding of TISAX and supply chain security requirements. Whether you’re starting from scratch or fine-tuning your readiness for an upcoming audit, we’re here to help.

Let’s build your path to TISAX success:

• Book a free consultation with our compliance experts.
• Get a tailored readiness assessment for your business.
• Stay ahead of OEM requirements and secure new opportunities.

Request Your Free Consultation

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