HANDHELD BACKSCATTER X-RAY DEVICE MARKET ANALYSIS

The global handheld backscatter X-ray device market was valued at US$ 51.6 Mn in 2021 and is forecast to reach a value of US$ 75.7 Mn by 2028 at a CAGR of 5.6% between 2022 and 2028. The global handheld backscatter X-ray device market is experiencing strong growth due to the increasing need for highly efficient and easy-to-use security devices and increase in number of terrorist and smuggling activities. Moreover, deployment of highly efficient security solutions and the outbreak of COVID-19 (global pandemic) is expected to boost growth of the market. However, factors such as high cost of handheld backscatter X-ray devices and rise in need for ergonomically designed equipment are expected to hamper the market growth.

Global Handheld Backscatter X-Ray Device Market: Regional Insights

Based on geography, the global handheld backscatter X-ray device market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa.

Among regions, North America is expected to gain highest share in the market during the forecast period due to the increase in terrorist activities, increase in deployment of security solutions, and increasing need for highly efficient x-ray devices in the region. For instance, in June 2020, Viken Detection announced the launch of VALOR initiative to provide free or at-cost refurbished HBI-120 handheld x-ray imagers to local, underfunded police departments. VALOR is an acronym for ‘Viken Assisting Law-enforcement in the Opioid Response.’ Viken also launched its Nighthawk-HBI series, a next-gen handheld x-ray imaging platform for drug interdiction and other security missions. This in turn is driving the market growth.

Moreover, Europe and Asia Pacific are also expected to witness significant growth in the global handheld backscatter X-ray device market owing to the rise in terrorist activities, rise in smuggling activates, and rise in demand for highly efficient security solutions in these regions. For instance, in February 2021, Westminster provided a procurement and sourcing agency in the UK with an X-Ray Scanner and number of Handheld Metal Detectors. A WG IS6040 X-Ray Small Baggage and Parcel Scanner is designed for screening hand baggage and small parcels at airports and other high-security locations to identify materials and isolate threats with greater speed and accuracy.

Figure 1. Global Handheld Backscatter X-Ray Device Market Share (%), by Region, 2022

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Global Handheld Backscatter X-Ray Device Market Drivers:

Need for highly efficient security solutions to augment market growth

One of the key factors expected to augment the growth of the global handheld backscatter X-ray device market during the forecast period is the increasing need for highly efficient and easy-to-use security solutions. In October 2022, Videray Technologies Inc. announced the launch of PX Ultra, the Handheld Backscatter X-ray Imager. With the PX Ultra, operators can confidently see through even more material, with the ability to identify anomalies through up to 10mm of steel. In addition to this improved penetration, the PX Ultra packs even more safety features, with a factor of two reduction in its radiation scatter and leakage profiles.

Increase in terrorist activities to underpin market growth

Another factor which is driving the growth of the global handheld backscatter X-ray device market is the increase in number of terrorist attacks and rise in smuggling activities across the globe. For instance, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), most of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine are trafficked into the United States across the Southwest border. According to Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), more than 90 percent of heroin consumed in the United States today comes from Mexico. Thus, all the private passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles are scanned at the border.​

Global Handheld Backscatter X-Ray Device Market Opportunities:

Rise in deployment of highly efficient security solutions worldwide is expected to offer significant growth opportunities for players in the handheld backscatter X-ray device market. For instance, in early 2020, United States Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBPA) planned to install and test several X-ray imaging systems at ports alongside the southern border. Their mission is to target and prescreen containers and to develop additional investigative leads related to the terrorist threat to cargo destined to the United States. CBP provides security and facilitation operations at around 328 ports of entry throughout the country.

The outbreak of COVID-19 (global pandemic) is expected to offer significant growth opportunities for players in the global handheld backscatter X-ray device market. Handheld backscatter X-ray devices have seen a rise in demand amid the COVID-19 situation. For instance, as of June 2020, Viken Detection, by building on its VALOR program, led the US-based police departments across Oklahoma, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and Indiana to training sessions in Burlington facility on using HBI-120 to ensure the active protection of the public from the opioid crisis amid COVID-19 (coronavirus) led challenges.

Global Handheld Backscatter X-Ray Device Market Trends:

Miniaturization of devices is a recent trend

The trend of miniaturization of devices and ease to use have led to the development of handheld variants. However, these types are required to be on par with or sometimes even more sophisticated than the fixed ones. Thus, players in the market are focusing on developing and launching novel handheld backscatter X-ray devices worldwide. This trend is expected to continue over the forecast period, driving the handheld backscatter X-ray device market growth.

Increase in deployment is another trend

The customs and border protection organizations are prominent end users of handheld backscatter X-ray devices. The occurrences of illicit trading of explosives, drugs, arms, currency, ammunition, and other materials, are increasing worldwide. Handheld devices play important role in identifying these materials to prevent these trades and improve national security. This trend is also expected to continue during the forecast period, driving the market growth.

Global Handheld Backscatter X-Ray Device Market Restraints:

High cost of handheld devices to hinder market growth

One of the key factors expected to hamper growth of the global handheld backscatter X-ray device market is the high cost of handheld backscatter X-ray devices. The cost of backscatter devices is considerably high as the technology is new and vendors are few. For instance, American Science and Engineering offers its Mini Z Handheld backscatter X-ray imaging devices/system at around US$ 49,000. However, the increase in research and development and the trend of miniaturization of devices is expected to bring down the cost of backscatter devices.

Need for ergonomically designed equipment to hamper market growth

Another factor which is hampering growth of the global handheld backscatter X-ray device market is the increase in need for ergonomically designed equipment. The ergonomic design of the product is still not standardized. Moreover, the current dimensions and weight of the product are still not appropriate for personnel to hold it for a longer duration. However, the miniaturization is expected to cut down on both the weight and the size of the device.

Figure 2. Global Handheld Backscatter X-Ray Device Market Share (%), by End User, 2022

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Global Handheld Backscatter X-Ray Device Market Segmentation:

The global handheld backscatter X-ray device market report is segmented into End Users and Region.

Based on End Users, the handheld backscatter X-ray device market is segmented into Customs and Border Protection, Law Enforcement, Critical Infrastructure, Military and Defence, and Other End Users. Out of which, Customs and Border Protection Segment is expected to dominate the handheld backscatter X-ray device market over the forecast period and this is attributed to the rise in terrorist and smuggling activities across the globe.

Law Enforcement Segment is also expected to witness significant growth in the near future and this is owing to the rise in deployment of highly efficient security solutions in the law enforcement departments around the world.

Global Handheld Backscatter X-Ray Device Market: Key Developments

In June 2021, Viken Detection announced that its channel partner, Federal Resources, awarded the company US$ 2.5 million contract from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (USDEA) for Viken Detection’s NIGHTHAWK-HBI handheld x-ray imager.

In April 2021, Rapiscan Systems Inc. received a contract worth around US$ 6 million for critical infrastructure facility operation and maintenance services. The Rapiscan System and AS&E cargo, vehicle, parcel, and personnel explosive and contraband detection systems will be operated and serviced by the company.

In July 2020, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety announced the addition of the handheld X-ray imager, VIKEN. VIKEN will be used by law enforcement to scan buildings & cars to detect illegal weapons, concealed narcotics, cash, explosives, contraband, and other things concealed or hidden in compartments.

In June 2020, Viken Detection announced the launch of handheld and under-vehicle X-ray system that scans vehicles for hidden cash, drugs, and weapons that may help prevent illegal drug and gun smuggling at the US-Mexico border.

Global Handheld Backscatter X-Ray Device Market: Key Companies Insights

The global handheld backscatter X-ray device market is highly competitive. This is attributed to the rise in demand for highly efficient backscatter X-ray devices, as a result, players in the market are focusing on launching novel products in the market.

Some of the key players in the global handheld backscatter X-ray device market are:

Nutech Company Limited, Viken Detection (formerly Heuresis Inc.), and Rapiscan Systems Inc. (a part of OSI Systems Inc.), among others.

*Definition: Backscatter X-ray is an advanced X-ray imaging technology. Unlike a traditional X-ray machine, which relies on transmission of X-rays through the object, backscatter X-ray device detects the radiation that reflects from the object and forms an image. They have been designed to improve security forces 'VISION' through greater depth image performance.