TISAX – the Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange—has rapidly become the minimum requirement for working with leading automotive OEMs. Brands like BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz now expect their suppliers to demonstrate operational security maturity, not just documented policies.

Yet many suppliers still wait to “need it.” By then, it’s too late.

What Is TISAX and Why Was It Created?
Why You Can’t Wait
Not a Checkbox Exercise – A Maturity Journey
How TISAX Compares to ISO 27001 and Other Standards
What Does a Level 3 TISAX Assessment Actually Require?
The TISAX Journey
TISAX Roadmap: Estimated Timeline
Compliance as a Competitive Differentiator
Ready to Lead the Standard?

TISAX was launched by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) to harmonise how information security is assessed across the automotive supply chain. Instead of forcing each OEM to conduct bespoke audits, TISAX provides a unified standard and shared trust model.

Assessments are conducted via the VDA Information Security Assessment (ISA) catalogue, which maps to core ISMS principles while tailoring requirements to automotive-specific risk.

This framework enables supplier assessments to be securely shared among TISAX participants, saving time while improving transparency.

Source: VDA QMC White Paper, 2024

TISAX is already mandatory for many suppliers operating within the German and EU-based automotive ecosystems. Its relevance is expanding rapidly, especially for component manufacturers, software providers, and logistics partners.

It signals to your OEM partners:

TISAX isn’t about documentation. It’s about demonstrable governance and risk control. The audit will test whether:

• You have scoped your information risks correctly
• Your functions are governed by live policies and effective controls
• Your governance is embedded, reviewed, and continuously improved
• Your security posture enables trust, not just compliance

TISAX Level 3—commonly expected by OEMs—requires formal management of risk, comprehensive policy deployment, and evidence of ongoing security maturity.

Source: Cyturus TISAX White Paper, 2024

While TISAX and ISO 27001 share a foundation in information security management systems (ISMS), they differ in scope and specificity:

Unlike ISO, TISAX does not result in a “certificate” but rather a shared assessment status—trusted across the ENX network.

Source: TÜV SÜD White Paper, 2023

To achieve Level 3, your organisation must demonstrate:

• A fully implemented ISMS
• Defined and enforced policies across departments
• Documented asset classification and access control
• Security awareness training and cultural alignment
• Formal risk assessments and continuous improvement processes

This is a material difference from Level 2, which largely focuses on procedural compliance.

The TISAX Journey is listed above: from self-assessment to certification.

1. Self-Assessment (ISA Catalogue) – Complete the baseline maturity assessment using VDA’s ISA framework.
2. Gap Review and Action Plan – Identify priority risks, policy gaps, and implementation targets.
3. Implementation and Cultural Enablement – Roll out controls, educate teams, and reinforce governance.
4. Audit and ENX Coordination – Coordinate third-party validation and ENX trust registration.
5. Certification and Readiness for Future Renewal – Monitor, improve, and prepare for revalidation every three years.

Source: TÜV NORD White Paper, 2024

At TMWResilience, we believe compliance is not a cost – it’s a competitive lever.

• Trust – earned through demonstrable governance
• Security – embedded into workflows, not siloed in IT
• Resilience – sustained through processes, not reaction

The businesses that lead in TISAX maturity don’t wait for compliance to be mandated. They use it as a gateway to preferred supplier status, faster procurement, and long-term partnerships.

TISAX readiness is a strategic signal to your clients and partners. It opens doors, accelerates onboarding, and demonstrates that you are not just compliant, but confident.

To find out more about gaining TISAX accreditation get in touch.