Standards Comparison

    TISAX

    Mandatory
    2017

    Automotive framework for information security assessments exchange

    VS

    ISO 26000

    Voluntary
    2010

    International guidance standard for social responsibility.

    Quick Verdict

    TISAX delivers certifiable information security for automotive supply chains, while ISO 26000 provides voluntary social responsibility guidance for all organizations. Automotive firms adopt TISAX for OEM contracts; others use ISO 26000 for ethical governance and stakeholder trust.

    Cybersecurity

    TISAX

    Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)

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

    Key Features

    • Standardized exchange of assessments via ENX portal
    • Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
    • Tiered assessment levels AL1-AL3 by risk
    • Maturity grading 0-5 across VDA ISA controls
    • Three-year labels reducing duplicate audits
    Social Responsibility

    ISO 26000

    ISO 26000:2010 Guidance on social responsibility

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

    Key Features

    • Seven core subjects for holistic SR coverage
    • Seven principles as cross-cutting decision norms
    • Non-certifiable guidance applicable to all organizations
    • Stakeholder engagement for issue prioritization
    • Integration into governance and management systems

    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 for automotive supply chain information security. Developed by ENX Association using VDA ISA catalog (v5.0.4/6.0), it ensures protection of sensitive data like IP, prototypes, and personal information. It uses risk-based assessments at three levels: AL1 (self-assessment), AL2 (remote), AL3 (onsite), focusing on CIA triad with industry specifics.

    Key Components

    • VDA ISA with 70+ controls in 7 groups: Policy, Organization, Personnel, Physical Security, Access, Cryptography, Operations.
    • Modules for prototype protection, data protection.
    • Maturity scoring (0-5 levels) per control.
    • ENX portal for secure result sharing.
    • Labels valid 3 years, no annual audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Contractual mandates from OEMs (e.g., BMW, VW) for market access.
    • Reduces duplicate audits (70-90% efficiency).
    • Mitigates risks, prevents breaches (€4.5M avg cost).
    • Builds trust, enables premium contracts, ESG benefits.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: Preparation (scope, gap analysis), Remediation (controls, table-tops), Audit (accredited providers like DQS/TÜV), Sustainment (monitoring). Scalable for SMEs to enterprises; 6-18 months, €15k-€150k+. Targets suppliers, OEMs, services globally.

    ISO 26000 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 26000:2010 is an international guidance standard on social responsibility, not a certifiable management system. Its primary purpose is to provide a shared definition, principles, and core subjects for organizations to assess impacts, engage stakeholders, and integrate responsible practices holistically across operations and value chains. It uses a contextual, stakeholder-driven approach rather than prescriptive requirements.

    Key Components

    • Seven core subjects: organizational governance, human rights, labor practices, environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, community involvement.
    • Seven principles: accountability, transparency, ethical behavior, respect for stakeholder interests, rule of law, international norms, human rights.
    • Built on multi-stakeholder consensus; no fixed controls, emphasizes prioritization and integration.
    • Non-certifiable; compliance via self-assessment and transparent reporting.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Enhances sustainability commitment, risk management, and stakeholder trust.
    • Aligns with SDGs, OECD, GRI for credibility without certification burden.
    • Drives operational resilience, ESG integration, and competitive differentiation.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: materiality assessment, stakeholder engagement, policy integration, training, reporting.
    • Applies to all organization types/sizes; uses PDCA cycles.
    • No audits required; leverage existing systems like ISO 14001/45001.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    TISAX
    Information security in automotive supply chain
    ISO 26000
    Social responsibility across seven core subjects

    Industry

    TISAX
    Automotive sector, global supply chains
    ISO 26000
    All industries, all organization types worldwide

    Nature

    TISAX
    Certifiable assessment framework, contractual
    ISO 26000
    Non-certifiable voluntary guidance standard

    Testing

    TISAX
    Audits at AL1-AL3 by accredited providers
    ISO 26000
    Self-assessment, no formal audits or certification

    Penalties

    TISAX
    Contract loss, no TISAX label
    ISO 26000
    No penalties, reputational risks only

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about TISAX and ISO 26000

    TISAX FAQ

    ISO 26000 FAQ

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