TISAX
Automotive framework for information security assessments and exchange
UAE PDPL
UAE federal law for personal data protection
Quick Verdict
TISAX ensures automotive supply chain security via assessments for OEM trust, while UAE PDPL mandates personal data protection for all onshore firms with fines. Automotive suppliers adopt TISAX for contracts; UAE businesses comply to avoid penalties and build trust.
TISAX
Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange
Key Features
- Standardized exchange of results via ENX portal
- Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
- Risk-based three assessment levels AL1-AL3
- Maturity model scoring 0-5 per control
- One assessment reusable across multiple OEMs
UAE PDPL
Federal Decree-Law No. 45/2021 on Personal Data Protection
Key Features
- Extraterritorial scope for foreign processors of UAE data
- Mandatory Records of Processing Activities for all
- Risk-based DPO and DPIA requirements
- GDPR-like data subject rights portfolio
- Breach notification to UAE Data Bureau
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 certification framework developed by the ENX Association and based on the VDA ISA catalog. It standardizes information security assessments for the automotive supply chain, focusing on protecting sensitive data like prototypes and IP through risk-based evaluations at three levels: AL1 (self), AL2 (remote), AL3 (on-site).
Key Components
- Over 70 controls across policy, access, operations, and prototype protection.
- Builds on ISO 27001 with automotive extensions.
- Maturity scoring (0-5) per control.
- Modular objectives for info security, data protection, prototypes.
- ENX portal for secure result exchange; labels valid 3 years.
Why Organizations Use It
OEMs mandate TISAX contractually, preventing revenue loss and access denial. It reduces duplicate audits (70-90% savings), enhances resilience, enables market access, and builds trust in €2.5T supply chain.
Implementation Overview
Phased: preparation/gap analysis (1-3 months), remediation/tabletops (3-9), audit (2-4), sustainment. Applies to suppliers/OEMs/services; scalable for SMEs to globals via self-assess or audits (€15k-€150k). 6-18 months typical.
UAE PDPL Details
What It Is
UAE PDPL (Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 Concerning the Protection of Personal Data) is a comprehensive federal regulation establishing UAE's first economy-wide personal data protection framework. Effective 2 January 2022, it governs processing of personal data onshore, with extraterritorial reach for foreign entities targeting UAE residents. It adopts a risk-based approach emphasizing fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Key Components
- Core principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, minimization, accuracy, security, storage limitation.
- Obligations: Records of Processing Activities (RoPA), DPO for high-risk processing, DPIAs, data subject rights (access, portability, erasure, objection).
- No fixed control count; ~47 articles plus pending Executive Regulations.
- Compliance via self-attestation, Bureau oversight, administrative penalties.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for onshore controllers/processors; aligns with GDPR for multinationals.
- Mitigates fines, breach risks, builds trust in digital economy.
- Enables secure data flows, competitive edge in UAE market.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: assess/gap analysis, design controls, operationalize, monitor.
- Applies to private sector (excl. free zones, health/banking); all sizes.
- No certification; focus on RoPA, DPIAs, audits. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | TISAX | UAE PDPL |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Information security in automotive supply chain | Personal data protection across all sectors |
| Industry | Automotive OEMs, suppliers globally | All private sectors in UAE onshore |
| Nature | Voluntary industry assessment framework | Mandatory federal personal data law |
| Testing | Self-assess to on-site AL3 audits | DPIAs, records, no formal certification |
| Penalties | Contract loss, no legal fines | Administrative fines up to millions AED |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about TISAX and UAE PDPL
TISAX FAQ
UAE PDPL FAQ
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