RoHS
EU directive restricting hazardous substances in EEE
TISAX
Automotive standard for information security assessments and exchange
Quick Verdict
RoHS restricts hazardous substances in EEE for EU market access, ensuring safer waste recycling. TISAX assesses information security for automotive suppliers, protecting IP and prototypes. Companies adopt RoHS for legal compliance, TISAX for OEM contracts and supply chain trust.
RoHS
Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2)
Key Features
- Homogeneous material thresholds of 0.1% for 10 substances
- Open scope for all EEE unless specifically excluded
- Time-limited exemptions via delegated acts
- Requires technical file and EU Declaration of Conformity
- Tiered verification using IEC 62321 test methods
TISAX
Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)
Key Features
- Standardized assessments via ENX portal for result exchange
- Three maturity levels: Basic, Significant, Very High
- Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
- 70+ VDA ISA controls based on ISO 27001
- Reduces duplicate audits across OEM supply chains
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
RoHS Details
What It Is
RoHS (Directive 2011/65/EU, recast as RoHS 2) is an EU regulation restricting hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) to protect health and environment during waste management. It uses a homogeneous material approach with maximum concentration values (MCVs) of 0.1% (Cd 0.01%) for 10 substances.
Key Components
- **10 restricted substancesPb, Hg, Cd, Cr(VI), PBB, PBDE, DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP.
- **AnnexesIII/IV for time-limited exemptions; frequent delegated acts.
- 11 EEE categories (Annex I) with exclusions (e.g., large-scale fixed installations).
- Compliance via technical documentation, EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC), and CE marking.
Why Organizations Use It
Ensures EU/EEA market access, avoids fines/recalls, reduces e-waste hazards alongside WEEE. Manages supply chain risks, improves recyclability, builds stakeholder trust, and drives substitution innovation.
Implementation Overview
Risk-based: scope products, gather supplier declarations, tiered testing (IEC 62321), build technical files (EN IEC 63000). Applies to manufacturers/importers/distributors; 6-18 months typical, retain docs 10 years for audits.
TISAX Details
What It Is
TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is an industry-specific framework and certification for information security in the automotive supply chain. Developed by the ENX Association based on VDA ISA catalog, it standardizes assessments to protect sensitive data like prototypes and IP using risk-based maturity levels (Basic, Significant, Very High).
Key Components
- 70+ controls across 7 groups: Policy, Organization, Personnel, Physical Security, Access Control, Cryptography, Operations.
- Built on ISO 27001 with automotive extensions like prototype protection.
- Three assessment levels with self-assessments, remote checks, or on-site audits; labels valid 3 years via ENX portal.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual mandates from OEMs (e.g., BMW, Volkswagen) prevent revenue loss.
- Reduces duplicate audits, enhances market access, mitigates cyber risks.
- Builds trust, enables IP sharing, delivers ROI via efficiency gains.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: preparation/gap analysis (1-3 months), remediation/tabletops (3-9 months), audit/certification (2-4 months), ongoing sustainment. Targets automotive suppliers/OEMs globally; scalable for SMEs to enterprises via accredited providers like DQS/TÜV.
Key Differences
| Aspect | RoHS | TISAX |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Hazardous substances in EEE materials | Information security in automotive supply chain |
| Industry | EEE manufacturers, global | Automotive suppliers, primarily Europe |
| Nature | EU directive, mandatory market access | Voluntary industry assessment framework |
| Testing | Material substance analysis (XRF, ICP-MS) | ISMS audits at 3 maturity levels |
| Penalties | Fines, recalls by Member States | Contract loss, no legal fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about RoHS and TISAX
RoHS FAQ
TISAX FAQ
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