Standards Comparison

    TISAX

    Mandatory
    2017

    Automotive framework for standardized information security assessments and exchange

    VS

    BRC

    Voluntary
    2022

    Global standard for food safety in manufacturing

    Quick Verdict

    TISAX ensures information security for automotive suppliers via standardized assessments, while BRC mandates food safety management for manufacturers through HACCP and audits. Companies adopt TISAX for OEM contracts; BRC for retailer access and GFSI compliance.

    Cybersecurity

    TISAX

    Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)

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

    Key Features

    • Enables sharing one assessment across multiple OEMs via ENX portal
    • Tailored prototype protection controls for automotive IP and assets
    • Three risk-based assessment levels matching protection needs
    • Maturity evaluation of 70+ VDA ISA controls on 0-5 scale
    • Three-year labels without annual surveillance audits
    Food Safety

    BRC

    BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 9

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

    Key Features

    • Codex HACCP-based food safety plan
    • Senior management commitment and culture
    • Fundamental requirements for certification
    • Environmental monitoring and risk zoning
    • Unannounced audits with grading system

    Detailed Analysis

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

    TISAX Details

    What It Is

    TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is a certification framework by ENX Association, based on VDA ISA catalog. It standardizes security assessments for automotive supply chains, protecting IP, prototypes, and data via CIA triad extensions. Uses risk-based methodology with three levels: AL1 (self), AL2 (remote), AL3 (on-site).

    Key Components

    • 70+ controls in 7 groups: Policy, Access, Operations, etc.
    • Modules: Information Security, Prototype Protection, Data Protection
    • Maturity scale 0-5 (level 3+ required)
    • Builds on ISO 27001; ENX portal exchanges results
    • 3-year labels post-audit

    Why Organizations Use It

    • OEM contractual mandates (e.g., BMW, VW)
    • Cuts duplicate audits 70-90%, saves costs
    • Mitigates breaches, enables market access
    • Builds supply chain trust, boosts revenue
    • ESG/resilience advantages

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: scope/gap analysis, control remediation/tabletops, accredited audit (DQS/TÜV), monitoring. Suits OEMs/suppliers/services globally; scalable for SMEs/enterprises via self-assess to full audits.

    BRC Details

    What It Is

    BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety (Issue 9) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification framework for food manufacturers, processors, and packers. It assures product safety, legality, authenticity, and quality via a structured system integrating senior management commitment, Codex HACCP-based plans, and GMP prerequisites. Scope includes processed foods, ingredients, primary products, and pet foods under site control.

    Key Components

    • Seven core clauses: senior management, food safety plan, FSQMS, site standards, product control, process control, personnel.
    • Fundamental requirements (e.g., HACCP, traceability, allergens, internal audits).
    • Risk-based hazard analysis including fraud, defence.
    • Graded certification (AA/A/B/C/D) via annual audits, announced/unannounced.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Retailer mandates for supply chain access.
    • Reduces recalls, contamination risks.
    • Demonstrates due diligence, builds trust.
    • Drives efficiencies, continuous improvement.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, mock audits.
    • 6-12 months typical for mid-maturity sites.
    • Global applicability for food manufacturers.
    • Accredited body certification required.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    TISAX
    Information security, prototype protection
    BRC
    Food safety, quality, HACCP plans

    Industry

    TISAX
    Automotive supply chain, global
    BRC
    Food manufacturing, packaging, global

    Nature

    TISAX
    Voluntary certification, industry-driven
    BRC
    Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification

    Testing

    TISAX
    AL1-3 assessments, 3-year validity
    BRC
    Annual on-site audits, grading system

    Penalties

    TISAX
    Contract loss, no legal fines
    BRC
    Certification withdrawal, market exclusion

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about TISAX and BRC

    TISAX FAQ

    BRC FAQ

    You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

    Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

    Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform

    Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.

    100+ Standards & Regulations
    AI-Powered Insights
    Collaborative Assessments
    Actionable Recommendations

    Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages