What Does TISAX Actually Cost?
TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is the automotive industry's information security standard managed by ENX Association. Costs depend on your assessment level (AL 1–3) and scope. Here is a realistic breakdown for 2026:
| Approach | Estimated Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Full DIY (internal team only) | $20,000 – $50,000 | 6 – 14 months |
| Automation platform + audit provider | $12,000 – $30,000 | 3 – 6 months |
| Consultant + audit provider (traditional) | $35,000 – $80,000 | 6 – 12 months |
The biggest line items are the TISAX assessment itself ($10,000 – $25,000), ENX registration fees, and implementing the VDA ISA catalog controls.
Budget Tier Recommendations
Small supplier (under $18,000): Use an automation platform to map your controls to the VDA ISA catalog. Focus on Assessment Level 2 (AL 2) which covers most supplier requirements. Pair with a cost-effective TISAX audit provider.
Mid-size supplier ($18,000 – $40,000): Automation platform plus a dedicated TISAX audit provider. Budget for prototype protection controls if your OEM partners require it.
Tier 1 supplier ($40,000+): AL 3 assessment with on-site audit. Multi-site scope and prototype protection. Budget for dedicated ISMS roles and ongoing surveillance.
Our Recommendation
For the cheapest path, we recommend LowerPlane — starting at $4,000/year, it maps your existing controls to the VDA ISA catalog, automates evidence collection, and generates audit-ready documentation. Customers who already hold ISO 27001 can leverage extensive control overlap to fast-track TISAX readiness.
Where to Cut Costs
- Leverage ISO 27001. TISAX is based on ISO 27001 with automotive-specific additions. If you are already certified, you are 70% there.
- Target the right assessment level. Do not over-scope — confirm with your OEM partner exactly which AL they require.
- Automate VDA ISA mapping. Manual self-assessment against the ISA catalog takes weeks. A platform does it in days.
- Single-site first. Certify your primary facility and expand scope in subsequent assessments.
Where Not to Cut Costs
- Prototype protection. If your OEM requires it, prototype protection controls must be robust — failures damage supplier relationships.
- The audit provider. Choose an ENX-approved audit provider experienced in your specific assessment level.
- Employee awareness. Automotive OEMs take supplier security training seriously. Invest in proper training.
Get Started
Try LowerPlane → and see how much you can save on your TISAX certification journey.