Handheld Chemical and Metal Detector Market - By Technology (Ion Mobility Spectrometers, Raman Spectroscopy, Metal Identification, Others), By Application (Chemical Detection, Explosive Detection, Narcotics Detection, Metal Detection), By End User, Forecast 2024 - 2032

Handheld Chemical and Metal Detector Market Size

Handheld Chemical and Metal Detector Market size was valued at over USD 4 billion in 2023 and is estimated to register a CAGR of over 14% between 2024 and 2032. The market encompasses the industry involved in producing, selling, and deploying portable devices designed for identifying specific chemicals and metals, primarily used in security applications.
 

The expanding travel & tourism industry is significantly boosting the market. The growing volume of passengers frequenting airports, public transportation hubs, and tourism destinations necessitates heightened security measures. The industry's dedication to guaranteeing the security of travelers and infrastructure is in line with the portability and screening efficiency provided by handheld detectors. As a result, there is a need for sophisticated detection technologies to preserve safe spaces in the ever-changing travel & tourism industry. For instance, in November 2021, Bruker launched a new RoadRunner Explosives Trace Detector (ETD) for airport passenger and baggage security screening. Presently, the only handheld ETD instrument to meet the protocol set by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC)1, the RoadRunner offers fast & accurate screening capabilities in an easy-to-use, handheld design.
 

Advancements in detection technology propel the handheld chemical and metal detector market by fostering innovations in sensors, materials, and signal processing. Continuous improvements enhance detection accuracy, sensitivity, and the overall performance, fueling adoption across diverse industries seeking state-of-the-art security solutions.
 

Limited detection capabilities impede the market. Limitations in recognizing specific hidden materials might hinder the overall efficiency of security screening. These restrictions might prevent wide adoption, especially in situations where thorough detection of a variety of substances is essential. Overcoming this difficulty and guaranteeing the market's continued expansion in offering reliable and adaptable security solutions depend on the ongoing technological innovations addressing these limitations.
 

Handheld Chemical and Metal Detector Market Trends

The need for these detectors is growing in several industries including transportation, public spaces, and critical infrastructure, as a result of the increased emphasis on security and counter-terrorism measures on a global level. The accuracy and efficiency of detection are improved by technological advancements such as enhanced sensor capabilities and integration with data analytics. The travel & tourism industry’s expansion, rising crime rates, and strict regulatory mandates for security measures are also contributing to market growth.
 

Growing investments in defense and infrastructure projects globally create opportunities for the deployment of advanced detection tools. For instance, in August 2020, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated upgraded its Teledyne FLIR facility in Elkridge, Maryland. The company invested over USD 6 million in upgrading and increasing capabilities for future-ready businesses. The facility serves as a hub for designing and producing an array of unmanned air & ground platforms and surveillance and detection systems used by the U.S. military and public safety agencies worldwide.
 

Increased connectivity features, such as remote monitoring and wireless data transfer, are becoming critical for effective security management. Environmental sustainability is also influencing the market, with an emphasis on creating detectors using eco-friendly materials and energy-saving technologies. In keeping with the current focus on health and safety, the rise in global health concerns has prompted the incorporation of contactless operation features and hygiene measures. The competitive landscape, with manufacturers continuously innovating for better performance and cost-effectiveness, contributes to the overall expansion of the market.
 

Handheld Chemical and Metal Detector Market Analysis

Based on the end user, the market is segmented into airports, customs & borders, law enforcement agencies & forensic departments, military & defense, and others. The customs & borders segment accounted for a market share of over 20% in 2023.
 

• The demand for handheld detectors at border crossings and customs checkpoints is driven by growing international trade and the ongoing need for strong security measures. Globally, governments are allocating resources to sophisticated detection technologies in an effort to fortify border security and suppress criminal activities such as trafficking and smuggling. As they are portable, handheld detectors enable customs officers to carry out effective, non-intrusive inspections.
   
• Improvements in detection capabilities, such as the capacity to recognize particular chemicals and metals, improve the efficacy of screening procedures. The incorporation of these detectors into the infrastructure for border protection and customs will improve border security measures overall, minimize instances of smuggling, and streamline operations. The market for handheld chemical and metal detectors is poised to grow as a result of the increased emphasis on effective border management.
   

Based on the application, the handheld chemical and metal detector market is segmented into chemical detection, explosive detection, narcotics detection, and metal detection. The chemical detection segment is estimated to register a significant growth rate of over 13.5% CAGR during the forecast period of 2024-2032.
 

• Chemical detection is anticipated to experience significant growth owing to several factors. The demand for detectors that can recognize dangerous compounds, chemical threats, and illicit materials is rising as along with security concerns. Advancements in sensor technologies contribute to increased detection capabilities and improved sensitivity to a broad variety of chemicals. The market is also seeing the incorporation of other cutting-edge methods for accurate chemical identification such as spectroscopy.
   
• The need for handheld detectors with strong chemical detection capabilities is anticipated to increase as businesses and security organizations place a higher priority on preventing chemical-related incidents. Laws stressing chemical security and safety in public areas encourage the use of sophisticated chemical detection technologies, positioning the market for substantial growth over the foreseeable future.
   

North America held a significant share of over 30% in the global handheld chemical and metal detector market in 2023. The market for handheld chemical and metal detectors is expected to grow rapidly in North America due to stricter regulations and growing security concerns. The region's increased emphasis on counterterrorism measures and large investments in defense and vital infrastructure will lead to market expansion. This expansion is also facilitated by the proactive adoption of cutting-edge security solutions and technological advancements. North America is expected to become a major market for portable chemical and metal detectors as the demand rises in industries such as government buildings, aviation, and transportation.
 

Handheld Chemical and Metal Detector Market Share

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated holds a significant share in the market. A pioneer in network video solutions, Teledyne Technologies is a diversified company involved in various markets including aerospace, defense, and industrial. While it may not be a prominent player in the market, Teledyne's expertise in technology and instrumentation could potentially influence security-related technologies.
 

Major players, such as Advanced Detection Technology, Inc., Amphenol Corporation, Agilent Technologies, Inc., and Chemring Group PLC, are also constantly implementing strategic measures, such as geographical expansion, acquisition, mergers, collaborations, partnerships, and product or service launches, to gain market shares.
 

Handheld Chemical and Metal Detector Market Companies

Major players operating in the handheld chemical and metal detector industry are:

• Advanced Detection Technology, Inc.
• Agilent Technologies, Inc.
• Amphenol Corporation
• Bruker Corporation
• Chemring Group PLC
• Garrett Metal Detectors
• Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
• L-3 Security & Detection Systems
• Leidos
• Nuctech Company Limited
• OSI Systems, Inc. (US)
• Safariland
• Smith Detection
• Teledyne FLIR LLC
• Teledyne Technologies Incorporated

Handheld Chemical and Metal Detector Industry News

• In May 2021, 908 Devices Inc. launched updates for its MX908 handheld mass spec device. The updates included a first-of-its-kind aerosol module to detect and identify aerosolized chemical threats; added targets allowing responders to recognize additional priority drug substances; and activation of a Bluetooth capability to export reports and device history to Android devices.
   
• These added capabilities address gaps in responders' workflows and speed chemical detection at the point of need for multiple missions. MX908 with Aero enables real-time monitoring of aerosolized threats including aerosolized chemical warfare agents, fourth-generation agents, pharmaceutical-based agents, and opioids.
   
• In January 2021, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated acquired FLIR Systems, Inc. and formed Teledyne FLIR Systems, Inc. With this acquisition, it aimed to expand its portfolio of security and detection solutions and digital imaging products.
   

The handheld chemical and metal detector market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Technology, 2018 - 2032

• Ion mobility spectrometers
• Raman spectroscopy
• Metal identification
• Others

Market, By Application, 2018 – 2032

• Chemical detection
• Explosive detection
• Narcotics detection
• Metal detection

Market, By End User, 2018 – 2032

• Airports
• Customs & borders
• Law enforcement agencies & forensic departments
• Military & defense
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA