Standards Comparison

    TISAX

    Mandatory
    2017

    Automotive standard for secure information assessment exchange

    VS

    CAA

    Mandatory
    1970

    U.S. federal statute regulating air emissions and quality standards

    Quick Verdict

    TISAX ensures information security for automotive supply chains via assessments, while CAA mandates emission controls for all industries through permits and monitoring. Automotive firms adopt TISAX for OEM contracts; manufacturers use CAA to avoid fines and ensure operations.

    Cybersecurity

    TISAX

    Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)

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

    Key Features

    • Secure exchange of assessments via ENX portal
    • Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
    • Three risk-based assessment levels AL1-AL3
    • VDA ISA catalog with 70+ tailored controls
    • Three-year reusable labels reduce duplicate audits
    Air Quality

    CAA

    Clean Air Act (CAA), 42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq.

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months

    Key Features

    • National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants
    • State Implementation Plans (SIPs) and Federal oversight
    • Technology-based NSPS and MACT emission standards
    • Title V operating permits consolidating requirements
    • Multi-vector enforcement including penalties and sanctions

    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 an industry framework for standardizing and exchanging information security assessments in the automotive supply chain. Developed by ENX Association based on VDA ISA catalog, it verifies protection of sensitive data like IP and prototypes using a risk-based approach with three assessment levels: AL1 (self), AL2 (remote), AL3 (on-site).

    Key Components

    • VDA ISA controls (70+ across policy, access, operations, suppliers, prototypes)
    • Modular objectives: information security, prototype protection (parts/vehicles/events), data protection
    • Maturity scoring (0-5, min level 3)
    • ENX portal for label exchange; 3-year validity

    Why Organizations Use It

    OEMs mandate TISAX contractually for suppliers, mitigating supply chain risks, enabling market access, reducing duplicate audits (70-90% savings). Builds trust, prevents breaches (€4.5M avg cost), aligns with ISO 27001.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: scope/gap analysis (1-3 months), remediate/controls/tabletops (3-9 months), audit/label (2-4 months), sustainment. Scalable for SMEs to enterprises; ENX-accredited audits required. Targets automotive ecosystem globally.

    CAA Details

    What It Is

    The Clean Air Act (CAA), codified at 42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq., is a comprehensive U.S. federal statute establishing the national framework for air pollution control. Its primary purpose is protecting public health and welfare from stationary and mobile source emissions through **cooperative federalismEPA sets standards, states implement via enforceable plans.

    Key Components

    • NAAQS for six criteria pollutants (ozone, PM, CO, Pb, SO2, NO2) with primary/secondary standards.
    • SIPs/FIPs, NSPS, NESHAPs/MACT, Title V permits, NSR/PSD.
    • Built on ambient outcomes, technology-based controls, permitting/enforcement.
    • Compliance via monitoring, reporting; no central certification but state/Federal oversight.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandatory compliance avoids penalties, sanctions, citizen suits. Manages risks from nonattainment, enforcement. Enables permitting for expansions, supports ESG via emission reductions, builds stakeholder trust.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis (0-3 mo), strategy/design (1-6 mo), permitting/EPC (6-24 mo), ongoing monitoring/reporting. Applies to emitters nationwide; industries like manufacturing, energy. Requires audits, CEMS, SIP tracking.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    TISAX
    Information security in automotive supply chain
    CAA
    Air quality and emission controls

    Industry

    TISAX
    Automotive OEMs, suppliers globally
    CAA
    All industries, US stationary/mobile sources

    Nature

    TISAX
    Voluntary industry assessment framework
    CAA
    Mandatory federal environmental regulation

    Testing

    TISAX
    Self-assess to on-site AL3 audits
    CAA
    CEMS, stack tests, permit monitoring

    Penalties

    TISAX
    Contract loss, no legal fines
    CAA
    Civil/criminal fines, shutdowns, sanctions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about TISAX and CAA

    TISAX FAQ

    CAA FAQ

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