Meeting TISAX Requirements: 10 Things to Prepare Ahead of Your Audit

Thibault Williams
Jul 18, 2025
4 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

TISAX - the Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange - is no longer optional for many automotive suppliers and technology firms operating across Europe. Mandated by key OEMs and tier-1 integrators, TISAX ensures that your information security posture meets the highest industry standards.

But achieving certification isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes. It's about building trust, demonstrating resilience, and positioning your business as a secure and reliable partner in an increasingly scrutinised supply chain.

Whether you're preparing for your first audit or renewing your existing certification, this guide breaks down the 10 most important things you need to know to meet TISAX requirements - and exceed them.

Featured In This Article:

Understand What TISAX Is - and Why It Matters
TISAX Requirements Are Role-Specific - Define Your Scope Early
Gap Analysis Is the Foundation of TISAX Audit Readiness
Build (or Refine) Your ISMS
Audit TISAX with an Accredited ENX Provider
Automotive OEMs Don’t Just Expect Compliance—They Expect Confidence
Don't Neglect Third-Party and Supplier Security
Prototype Protection Is a Separate Domain
Ongoing Compliance Is the Real Challenge
Invest in Culture - Not Just Controls
Final Thoughts: Compliance Is a Trust Signal, Not a Checkbox

1. Understand What TISAX Is - and Why It Matters

TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is a standard developed by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) based on ISO 27001, tailored to the automotive sector.

It’s more than a security benchmark. It’s a market entry requirement. If you're handling sensitive data from OEMs, such as intellectual property, design specifications, or prototype data, you will likely need TISAX compliance to win or retain contracts.

2. TISAX Requirements Are Role-Specific - Define Your Scope Early

The TISAX framework includes multiple assessment levels (AL1, AL2, AL3) depending on the nature of the data you handle.

For example:

AL2: For sensitive but non-critical information
AL3: For prototype protection or classified data

Defining the assessment scope (location, services, data types) is critical to avoid unnecessary audit complexity or missed compliance areas.

3. Gap Analysis Is the Foundation of TISAX Audit Readiness

Before scheduling your audit, conduct a comprehensive gap analysis. This should assess your current controls against TISAX’s requirements across key domains:

Information Security Policy
Physical & IT Access Controls
Risk Management
Business Continuity & Incident Response
Supplier Security

An experienced TISAX consultancy can accelerate this process with tailored readiness assessments.

Learn More About a Comprehensive Gap Analysis

4. Build (or Refine) Your ISMS

A mature Information Security Management System (ISMS) aligned with ISO 27001 is the backbone of TISAX compliance.

This includes:

Documented policies & procedures
Asset inventory & classification
Internal audit protocols
Risk treatment plans

TISAX doesn’t just look at what you say - it assesses what you do. Evidence of ongoing governance is critical.

5. Audit TISAX with an Accredited ENX Provider

Unlike ISO audits, TISAX assessments are conducted by ENX-approved audit providers. After your audit, the results are shared via the TISAX platform, not as a public certificate.

This means transparency is controlled, but a lack of registration may raise red flags with OEM partners.

Tip: Choose an auditor with experience in your region and sector.

6. Automotive OEMs Don’t Just Expect Compliance - They Expect Confidence

OEMs aren’t only asking “Are you compliant?” They’re asking:

“Can you prove it?”
“Are you audit-ready tomorrow?”
“How do you respond to incidents?”

Being able to demonstrate resilience, not just compliance, separates future-proof suppliers from short-list dropouts.

7. Don't Neglect Third-Party and Supplier Security

TISAX requires clear governance over your supply chain partners.

That includes:

Contracts with security clauses
Due diligence processes
Evidence of subcontractor compliance

If your suppliers handle sensitive data, they must meet the same standards; otherwise, you inherit their risk.

8. Prototype Protection Is a Separate Domain

If your business handles prototype vehicles or parts, you're held to a higher bar - often Assessment Level 3 (AL3).

This includes:

Physical separation from regular production
Enhanced access control
CCTV and monitoring protocols

Neglecting this area is one of the most common causes of audit failure for TISAX newcomers.

9. Ongoing Compliance Is the Real Challenge

TISAX is valid for 3 years, but many clients mistakenly treat it as a one-off project.

In reality, you must:

Monitor regulatory changes
Run internal audits
Update policies with organisational changes

Proactive support, such as a TISAX consultancy offering continuous monitoring, can transform reactive firefighting into a structured governance approach.

10. Invest in Culture - Not Just Controls

Ultimately, TISAX readiness depends as much on people as it does on processes.

From plant managers to IT teams, your workforce needs to understand not only why compliance matters but also what to do. Training, awareness campaigns, and role-specific guidance can significantly impact your audit outcome.

Final Thoughts: Compliance Is a Trust Signal, Not a Checkbox

At TMW Resilience, we see TISAX as part of a broader shift: from reactive compliance to embedded, operational resilience.

Whether you’re a tier-1 automotive supplier in South Africa or a tech vendor handling OEM data in Europe, your TISAX posture speaks volumes about your business maturity.

Compliance isn’t just a technical requirement - it’s a competitive differentiator.