Contraband Detector Market Report 2026

The contraband detector market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $5.12 billion in 2025 to $5.48 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing use of security screening systems, early adoption in transportation checkpoints, reliance on manual detection processes, growing demand for baggage and cargo scanning, expansion of metal detection technologies.

The contraband detector market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $7.4 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising investment in automated security screening, adoption of advanced spectroscopy detection tools, expansion of public safety infrastructure, development of portable detection devices, increasing use of high-resolution imaging technologies. Major trends in the forecast period include adoption of AI-powered threat detection systems, integration of cloud-enabled screening platforms, expansion of IoT-connected security devices, advancement of autonomous contraband scanning technologies, development of intelligent multi-modal detection solutions.

The increasing expansion of air travel is expected to propel the growth of the contraband detector market going forward. Rising passenger and cargo traffic, along with stringent aviation regulations, is driving the need for advanced contraband detection technologies. These systems are essential for preventing the smuggling of prohibited items onto aircraft and ensuring compliance with security protocols. Ongoing advancements in screening technologies, integration with airport security systems, and the growing need for cargo security inspection further support market growth. For instance, in 2023, Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, reported that 973 million people in the EU traveled by air, marking a significant 19.3% increase. This upward trend continued into 2025, with the first three months recording 208 million air passengers in the EU - an increase of 5.1% compared with the same period in 2024. Therefore, the increasing expansion of air travel is driving the growth of the contraband detector market.

Major players in the contraband detector market are concentrating on innovative technologies, such as AI-powered detection systems and geospatial data technology, to improve detection accuracy and operational efficiency, ultimately creating safer environments for security applications. AI-powered detection systems leverage machine learning to analyze data from multiple sources, enhancing the identification of contraband items like weapons and illegal substances. Meanwhile, geospatial data technology facilitates the detection of unauthorized devices within facilities without requiring physical searches or hardware installations. For example, in February 2024, Geogentia, a US-based big data solutions provider, introduced In:SITE, a service designed to improve security in correctional and high-security facilities by detecting unauthorized devices. This solution aims to enhance contraband detection efficiency and provide administrators with actionable insights into smuggling tactics. This innovative service revolutionizes contraband detection by allowing the identification of unauthorized mobile devices, such as cell phones, tablets, and computers, without the need for specialized hardware installations.

In March 2023, Tek84 Inc., a US-based security technology firm, acquired Integrated Defense and Security Solutions (IDSS) Corp. for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition allows Tek84 to enhance its security scanning portfolio by incorporating IDSS's advanced AI-based CT scanning technology and leveraging the company's established expertise in aviation security. Integrated Defense and Security Solutions (IDSS) Corp. is a US-based company that specializes in manufacturing advanced contraband detection systems.

Major companies operating in the contraband detector market are Smiths Group plc, Nuctech Company Limited, Metrasens, LINEV Systems US Inc., Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co Ltd., Garrett Electronics Inc., Leidos Holdings Inc., OSI Systems Inc., Costruzioni Elettroniche Industriali Automatismi C.E.I.A. SpA, Campbell/Harris Security Equipment Company, Vidisco Limited, Autoclear LLC, Astrophysics Inc., Berkeley Varitronics Systems Inc., MS Technologies Inc., L3Harris Technologies Inc., Westminster International Limited, CEIA SpA, Rapiscan Systems Inc., American Science and Engineering Inc., Analogic Corporation, DetectaChem LLC, Fisher Research Laboratory, FLIR Systems Inc., Kromek Group plc, Morpho Detection LLC, NABCO Systems LLC, Optosecurity Inc., Scanna MSC Limited, Tek84 Engineering Group LLC.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs have affected the contraband detector market by increasing the cost of imported imaging sensors, metal detection components, spectroscopy modules, and electronic subsystems essential for detection systems. Transportation, government, and commercial security installations in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific experience the greatest impact due to supply chain complexity. Nonetheless, tariffs are also driving investment in domestic sensor manufacturing, encouraging localized system assembly, and supporting innovation in cost-efficient security screening technologies.

The contraband detectors market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides contraband detectors market statistics, including the contraband detectors industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a contraband detectors market share, detailed contraband detectors market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the contraband detectors industry. This contraband detectors market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

A contraband detector is a specialized device or system designed to identify and pinpoint prohibited or illegal items. Widely employed in security settings, its primary purpose is to thwart the smuggling of illicit goods or substances.

The key technologies utilized in contraband detectors include X-ray imaging, metal detection, spectrometry, spectroscopy, and other advanced methods. X-ray imaging is commonly employed in security inspections at airports, where contraband detectors are used to scan baggage for potential security threats. Target-based screening encompasses various applications, including people screening, baggage and cargo screening, and vehicle screening. These contraband detectors are deployed in both fixed and portable configurations, serving diverse sectors such as transportation, government, retail, hospitality, commercial enterprises, industrial facilities, educational institutions, events and sports venues, among others.North America was the largest region in the global contraband detector market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the contraband detector market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the contraband detector market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The contraband detector market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing transmission X-ray technology and backscatter. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The contraband detector market also includes sales of cargo scanners, currency detectors, and liquid scanners. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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