What It Is

Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) is a voluntary certification program under the WCO SAFE Framework, recognizing businesses as low-risk partners in international trade. It applies to supply chain actors like importers, exporters, and logistics providers, using a risk-based approach with Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) criteria A-M.

Key Components

• Four pillars: customs compliance, record management/internal controls, financial solvency, supply chain security.
• 13 SAQ criteria groups covering training, information security, cargo/premises/personnel security, crisis management, continuous improvement.
• Built on WCO SAFE standards; EU variants include AEOC (simplifications), AEOS (security), combined.
• Risk-based validation and ongoing monitoring.

Why Organizations Use It

Provides trade facilitation like fewer inspections, priority clearance, cost savings (e.g., avoided container exams). Enhances competitiveness via MRAs (97+ programs), builds stakeholder trust, mitigates risks from non-compliance/revocation.

Implementation Overview

Gap analysis, process design, evidence automation, training, mock audits. Applies globally to trade actors; 6-12 months typical, with periodic re-validation. Cross-functional, suits mid-to-large firms in logistics/manufacturing.

What It Is

TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is an industry framework developed by the ENX Association and VDA for standardizing information security assessments in the automotive supply chain. Its primary purpose is to verify protection of sensitive data like IP, prototypes, and personal information against cyber threats. It uses a risk-based approach with three assessment levels (Basic, Significant, Very High) based on data sensitivity.

Key Components

• **VDA ISA catalog70+ controls across 7 groups (Policy, Organization, Personnel, Physical Security, Access, Cryptography, Operations).
• Built on ISO 27001 with automotive-specific extensions like prototype protection.
• **Certification modelLabels valid 3 years, exchanged via ENX portal; self-assessment to on-site audits.

Why Organizations Use It

• Contractual mandates from OEMs like BMW, Volkswagen.
• Reduces duplicate audits, enhances market access, mitigates risks (e.g., €4.5M breach costs).
• Builds trust, enables revenue growth in €2.5T chain.

Implementation Overview

• Phased: Preparation (gap analysis), remediation (controls, table-tops), audit, sustainment.
• Targets suppliers, OEMs, services; scalable for SMEs to globals; ENX-accredited audits required. (178 words)