Standards Comparison

    CE Marking

    Mandatory
    1985

    EU marking for product conformity to harmonised requirements

    VS

    TISAX

    Mandatory
    2017

    Automotive standard for information security assessment exchange

    Quick Verdict

    CE Marking declares product conformity for EEA market access, mandatory for regulated goods via self/third-party assessment. TISAX verifies automotive info security via tiered audits, demanded by OEMs for supplier trust. Both enable compliance and partnerships but target safety vs cybersecurity.

    Product Safety

    CE Marking

    Conformité Européenne (CE) Marking

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Manufacturer's declaration of conformity to EU essential requirements
    • Enables free movement across EEA single market
    • OJEU harmonised standards provide presumption of conformity
    • Risk-proportionate conformity assessment modules A-H
    • Requires technical file and DoC retention
    Cybersecurity

    TISAX

    Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Standardized assessments shared via ENX portal
    • Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
    • Three risk-based assessment levels (AL1-AL3)
    • VDA ISA catalog with 70+ tailored controls
    • Reduces duplicate audits across OEMs

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    CE Marking Details

    What It Is

    CE Marking (Conformité Européenne) is the EU's mandatory conformity marking for products under harmonised legislation like the New Legislative Framework (NLF). It signifies the manufacturer's declaration that products meet essential health, safety, and environmental requirements. The risk-based approach scales scrutiny via conformity modules (A-H), from self-assessment to Notified Body verification.

    Key Components

    • Essential requirements from directives (e.g., LVD, Machinery, RED).
    • Harmonised standards published in OJEU for presumption of conformity.
    • Technical documentation, EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC), and CE affixation.
    • Post-market surveillance under Regulation (EU) 2019/1020. Self-declaration for low-risk; third-party for high-risk.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandated for EEA market access, it prevents legal penalties, customs holds, and recalls. Provides single-market scale, risk management, and competitive trust. Builds stakeholder confidence through auditable compliance.

    Implementation Overview

    Map applicable directives, conduct risk assessments, compile technical files, issue DoC, affix CE mark. Applies to manufacturers/importers in electronics, machinery, medical devices. Varies by risk; Notified Body audits for high-risk. Typical for mid-sized firms across EU/EEA.

    TISAX Details

    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 VDA ISA catalog controls, building on ISO 27001.

    Key Components

    • 7 control groups (e.g., Policy, Access Control, Operations) with 70+ items.
    • **Three assessment levelsBasic (self), Significant (remote), Very High (on-site).
    • Modules for information security, prototype protection, data protection.
    • 3-year labels shared via ENX portal.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Contractual mandates from OEMs like BMW, Volkswagen.
    • Risk mitigation, efficiency (reduces duplicate audits 70-90%).
    • Market access, revenue growth, trust in €2.5T supply chain.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: preparation/gap analysis (1-3 months), remediation/tabletops (3-9 months), audit/certification (2-4 months). Targets automotive suppliers/OEMs globally; scalable for SMEs to enterprises via self-assessments or audits.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    CE Marking
    Product health/safety/environmental conformity
    TISAX
    Information security in automotive supply chain

    Industry

    CE Marking
    All manufacturing sectors EEA-wide
    TISAX
    Automotive suppliers and partners primarily Europe

    Nature

    CE Marking
    Mandatory product conformity declaration
    TISAX
    Voluntary industry security assessment exchange

    Testing

    CE Marking
    Self/third-party conformity assessment modules
    TISAX
    AL1 self/AL2 remote/AL3 on-site audits

    Penalties

    CE Marking
    Market withdrawal fines recalls by authorities
    TISAX
    Contract loss OEM exclusion no legal fines

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about CE Marking and TISAX

    CE Marking FAQ

    TISAX FAQ

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