TISAX
Automotive standard for secure information exchange in supply chains
IFS Food
GFSI standard for food manufacturing safety and quality
Quick Verdict
TISAX ensures information security for automotive supply chains via standardized assessments, while IFS Food certifies food safety and quality for manufacturers through annual product-process audits. Companies adopt them for OEM contracts and retailer access.
TISAX
Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)
Key Features
- Centralized ENX portal for sharing assessment results
- Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
- Risk-based levels: AL1 self-assess to AL3 on-site
- VDA ISA maturity model across 70+ controls
- Three-year labels reduce duplicate OEM audits
IFS Food
IFS Food Version 8
Key Features
- Product and Process Approach (PPA) with traceability tests
- Minimum 50% on-site production area evaluation
- 10 Knock-Out requirements blocking certification
- Risk-based food fraud and defense assessments
- Annual audits with unannounced Star status option
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-specific assessment framework developed by the ENX Association and VDA, building on ISO 27001. It standardizes verification of information security for the automotive supply chain, focusing on protecting sensitive data like prototypes and IP through risk-based assessments at three levels: AL1 (self), AL2 (remote), AL3 (on-site).
Key Components
- VDA ISA catalog with 70+ controls across policy, access, operations, and prototype protection.
- Maturity scoring (0-5 levels) for effectiveness.
- Modular objectives: information security, data protection, prototypes.
- ENX portal for 3-year label exchange; no annual audits.
Why Organizations Use It
OEMs mandate it contractually for suppliers, preventing revenue loss and enabling market access. It cuts duplicate audits (70-90% efficiency), mitigates breaches, builds trust, and aligns with GDPR/NIS2 for resilience in €2.5T chains.
Implementation Overview
Phased: scope/gap analysis (1-3 months), remediate/controls (3-9 months), audit/label (2-4 months). Applies to OEMs, Tier 1/2 suppliers, services; scalable for SMEs to globals via self-assess or audits (€15k-€150k+).
IFS Food Details
What It Is
IFS Food Version 8 is a GFSI-benchmarked certification standard for food manufacturers, auditing product and process compliance. It uses a risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA) emphasizing food safety, quality, legality, authenticity, and customer specifications across post-farm supply chains.
Key Components
- Organized into governance, FSMS (HACCP/PRPs), resource management, operational controls (allergens, fraud, defense), and performance monitoring.
- Hundreds of checklist requirements with 10 Knock-Out (KO) criteria.
- Built on HACCP principles; annual audits score Higher/Foundation levels.
- Integrates food safety culture and sustainability.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer mandates, especially European private-label; reduces audit duplication.
- Enhances market access, supply chain trust, and resilience against recalls/fraud.
- Drives operational efficiency, continuous improvement, and competitive edge via Star status.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, FSMS build, training, internal audits, certification.
- Site-specific for processors/packers; 6-12 months typical.
- Requires ISO 17065-accredited bodies; unannounced audits optional.
Key Differences
| Aspect | TISAX | IFS Food |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Information security, prototype protection, CIA triad | Food safety, quality, HACCP, PRPs, traceability |
| Industry | Automotive supply chain, global OEMs/suppliers | Food manufacturing/packaging, retailers/private label |
| Nature | Voluntary certification, industry-driven exchange | GFSI-recognized certification, annual audits |
| Testing | AL1-AL3 assessments, on-site audits, 3-year validity | Product/process audits, 50% on-site, annual recertification |
| Penalties | Contract loss, no label, OEM exclusion | Certification denial, contract termination, recalls |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about TISAX and IFS Food
TISAX FAQ
IFS Food FAQ
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