EPA
U.S. federal regulations for air, water, waste protection
TISAX
Automotive framework for trusted information security assessments
Quick Verdict
EPA enforces mandatory environmental compliance across US industries via permits and monitoring, while TISAX provides voluntary security assessments for automotive suppliers. Companies adopt EPA to avoid penalties; TISAX to secure contracts and share results.
EPA
EPA Standards (CAA, CWA, RCRA in 40 CFR)
Key Features
- Multi-layered architecture: statutes, 40 CFR regulations, permits
- Evidence-driven compliance via monitoring and reporting
- Federal-state implementation with national baselines
- Blends technology-based and health-protective standards
- Predictable enforcement with civil/criminal pathways
TISAX
Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)
Key Features
- Standardized assessments shared via ENX portal
- Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
- Three risk-based maturity levels (AL1-AL3)
- VDA ISA catalog with 70+ tailored controls
- Reduces duplicate audits across OEM supply chains
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
EPA Details
What It Is
EPA standards are legally binding regulations implementing major U.S. environmental statutes like Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), codified in Title 40 CFR. They form a regulatory framework for protecting air, water, and land, using a multi-layered, risk-management approach combining health-based endpoints and technology-based controls.
Key Components
- Numeric limits, thresholds, performance criteria across air (NAAQS, MACT), water (effluent guidelines, NPDES), waste (RCRA Subparts AA/BB/CC).
- Permitting (Title V, NPDES), monitoring/recordkeeping/reporting, enforcement structures.
- Federal-state tiering with national baselines and site-specific obligations.
- No central certification; compliance via audits, permits, self-reporting.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for regulated entities to avoid penalties, shutdowns, liabilities. Drives risk reduction, operational efficiency, ESG alignment. Builds stakeholder trust via transparency tools like ECHO, ICIS-NPDES.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, EMS design, controls deployment, training, audits. Applies to industrial sectors nationwide; high complexity due to state variations, data governance needs. Ongoing via PDCA cycles, regulatory tracking.
TISAX Details
What It Is
TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is an industry-specific assessment framework developed by the ENX Association and VDA for the automotive supply chain. It standardizes verification of information security controls, focusing on protecting sensitive data like prototypes and IP through risk-based assessments at three maturity levels: Basic, Significant, and Very High.
Key Components
- VDA ISA catalog with 70+ controls across policy, access, operations, and prototype protection.
- Built on ISO 27001 with automotive extensions.
- Modular objectives (e.g., information security, prototype protection).
- Labels valid for 3 years, shared via ENX portal.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual mandates from OEMs like BMW, Volkswagen.
- Mitigates supply chain risks, avoids fines and contract loss.
- Enables market access, reduces duplicate audits by 70-90%.
- Builds trust, enhances resilience and ROI.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: preparation, remediation, audit, sustainment (6-18 months).
- Gap analysis, tabletop exercises, third-party audits.
- Targets automotive suppliers, OEMs, service providers globally; scalable for SMEs to enterprises.
Key Differences
| Aspect | EPA | TISAX |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Environmental regulations across air/water/waste | Information security in automotive supply chain |
| Industry | All US industries, multi-sector | Automotive sector, global suppliers |
| Nature | Mandatory federal regulations | Voluntary industry assessment |
| Testing | Self-monitoring, EPA inspections | Audits at AL1-AL3 levels |
| Penalties | Civil/criminal fines, shutdowns | No legal penalties, contract loss |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about EPA and TISAX
EPA FAQ
TISAX FAQ
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