Standards Comparison

    TISAX

    Mandatory
    2017

    Automotive framework for standardized information security assessments

    VS

    PDPA

    Mandatory
    2012

    Southeast Asia regulation for personal data protection.

    Quick Verdict

    TISAX ensures automotive supply chain security via assessments, while PDPA mandates personal data protection in Singapore with fines. Automotive firms adopt TISAX for OEM contracts; all organizations use PDPA to avoid penalties and build trust.

    Cybersecurity

    TISAX

    Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)

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

    Key Features

    • Shareable labels via ENX portal reduce duplicate audits
    • Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
    • Three assessment levels: AL1 self-assess to AL3 on-site
    • VDA ISA catalog based on ISO 27001
    • Three-year validity without surveillance audits
    Data Privacy

    PDPA

    Personal Data Protection Act 2012

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

    Key Features

    • Mandatory Data Protection Officer appointment
    • 72-hour data breach notification regime
    • Consent with deemed consent exceptions
    • Data subject access and correction rights
    • Cross-border transfer limitation obligation

    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 and exchange platform for the automotive sector. Developed by the ENX Association based on the VDA ISA catalog, it verifies protection of sensitive information like prototypes and IP. It uses a risk-based approach with three assessment levels (AL1-AL3) tailored to data sensitivity.

    Key Components

    • VDA ISA controls (70+ items) across policy, access, operations, and prototype protection.
    • Builds on ISO 27001 with automotive extensions.
    • Modular objectives: information security, data protection, prototypes.
    • ENX portal for sharing labels valid 3 years.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Contractual mandates from OEMs like BMW, Volkswagen.
    • Mitigates supply chain risks, prevents €millions in losses.
    • Enables market access, reduces audit duplication (70-90%).
    • Builds trust, competitive edge in €2.5T chain.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: preparation (gap analysis), remediation (controls, table-tops), audit (by accredited providers like DQS), sustainment. Applies to suppliers, OEMs, services; scalable for SMEs to globals. 6-18 months, €15k-€150k+.

    PDPA Details

    What It Is

    Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) is a principles-based regulation—primarily Singapore's 2012 Act, with variants in Thailand and Taiwan—governing collection, use, disclosure of personal data by private sector organizations. It balances individual privacy rights with legitimate business needs via risk-proportionate obligations.

    Key Components

    • Core obligations: consent/notification, access/correction, accuracy, protection, retention/transfer limitation, accountability.
    • 9-10 key provisions; supported by PDPC guidelines.
    • Built on fairness, transparency, security principles.
    • Compliance via Data Protection Management Programme (DPMP), no formal certification.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory in jurisdictions for data handlers; fines up to SGD/THB 1-5M.
    • Mitigates breach risks, enhances trust.
    • Enables secure data use, cross-border flows.
    • Builds reputation, supports digital economy competitiveness.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: governance, data mapping, policies, controls, training, audits.
    • Involves DPO appointment, DPIAs, vendor contracts.
    • Applies to all sizes handling local data; Singapore/Thailand focus.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    TISAX
    Information security, prototype protection in automotive
    PDPA
    Personal data protection across private sector activities

    Industry

    TISAX
    Automotive supply chain, global but Europe-focused
    PDPA
    All private sector industries in Singapore/Thailand/etc.

    Nature

    TISAX
    Voluntary industry certification and assessment exchange
    PDPA
    Mandatory national privacy legislation with fines

    Testing

    TISAX
    AL1-AL3 audits by accredited providers, 3-year validity
    PDPA
    Self-assessments, DPIAs, no formal certification required

    Penalties

    TISAX
    Contract loss, no legal fines, audit failure
    PDPA
    Fines up to S$1M or 10% revenue, enforcement actions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about TISAX and PDPA

    TISAX FAQ

    PDPA FAQ

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