TISAX
Automotive framework for information security assessments and exchange
REACH
EU regulation for chemicals registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction.
Quick Verdict
TISAX ensures information security for automotive supply chains via standardized assessments, while REACH mandates chemical registration and risk management across EU industries. Companies adopt TISAX for OEM contracts and REACH for legal market access.
TISAX
Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)
Key Features
- Standardized exchange of assessments via ENX portal
- Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
- Risk-based three assessment levels AL1-AL3
- Maturity model grading controls 0-5 scale
- Three-year labels reduce duplicate OEM audits
REACH
Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH)
Key Features
- Industry-shifted burden for chemical risk data generation
- Registration dossiers required for >1 tonne/year substances
- Authorisation permissions for SVHCs with sunset dates
- Annex XVII restrictions imposing EU-wide bans/limits
- Supply chain SDS and Article 33 SVHC communication
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-standard assessment framework developed by the ENX Association based on the VDA ISA catalog (v5.0.4, evolving to 6.0). It standardizes verification of information security for the automotive supply chain, protecting sensitive data like IP, prototypes, and personal information. Employs a risk-based approach with three assessment levels: AL1 (self-assessment), AL2 (remote), AL3 (onsite).
Key Components
- Over 70 controls in 7 groups: Policy, Organization, Personnel, Physical Security, Access Control, Cryptography, Operations.
- Builds on ISO 27001 with automotive extensions like prototype protection.
- Maturity model (0-5 scale, requires ≥3).
- ENX portal enables label sharing, valid 3 years without surveillance.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual mandates from OEMs (e.g., BMW, Volkswagen) prevent revenue loss.
- Cuts duplicate audits by 70-90%, delivers 4-6x ROI.
- Enhances market access, resilience, trust in €2.5T chain.
- Mitigates breaches, supports GDPR/UNECE alignment.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, control remediation (tabletops), audits by accredited providers (TÜV, DQS), sustainment. 6-18 months, scalable for SMEs/enterprises in automotive ecosystem globally.
REACH Details
What It Is
REACH (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006) is a directly applicable EU regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. It protects human health and the environment by shifting responsibility to industry for generating and managing chemical risk data. Scope includes substances, mixtures, and articles; approach is tonnage- and risk-based with lifecycle obligations.
Key Components
- Four pillars: Registration (>1 tonne/year dossiers), Evaluation (dossier/substance checks), Authorisation (SVHC permissions), Restriction (Annex XVII bans/limits).
- 17 technical annexes for data requirements, lists (Annex XIV SVHCs).
- Principles: industry data submission, ECHA coordination, national enforcement.
- Continuous compliance model, no formal certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for EU/EEA market access; avoids fines, seizures.
- Manages supply chain risks, drives substitution.
- Boosts innovation, ESG transparency, stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: inventory, gap analysis, dossiers/CSRs, monitoring.
- Key activities: tonnage tracking, SDS communication, supplier governance.
- Applies to manufacturers/importers/downstream users; inspections vary by Member State.
Key Differences
| Aspect | TISAX | REACH |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Information security in automotive supply chain | Chemical substance registration and risk management |
| Industry | Automotive suppliers, OEMs, Europe-focused | Chemicals, manufacturing, all sectors EU-wide |
| Nature | Voluntary industry assessment and exchange | Mandatory EU regulation with legal enforcement |
| Testing | Audits at 3 levels by accredited providers | Dossier submission, evaluations by ECHA/MS |
| Penalties | Contract loss, no legal fines | Fines up to millions, market bans |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about TISAX and REACH
TISAX FAQ
REACH FAQ
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