Overview

Brazil’s robust security market, driven by increasing concerns over public safety, offers significant opportunities for U.S. security technology providers. As the government prioritizes infrastructure development to stimulate economic growth, the demand for advanced security solutions is expected to rise. Investment in public security is projected to remain strong, particularly in urban areas, creating a favorable environment for U.S. companies.

With a robust annual average growth rate between 15-20% over the past decade, Brazil’s security market offers immense potential.  The electronic security equipment segment, valued at US$2.6B in 2023, is expected to reach US$3.1B by 2024. This growth is due to the increasing adoption of advanced technologies, e.g., artificial intelligence, 5G, a trend towards integration of police agencies into a single system, and the expanding demand for security solutions across various sectors. 

Safety and Security Industries  

Over the next decade, the Brazilian federal government’s public security policies aim to strengthen border control, combat organized crime, integrate public security databases, and combat drug trafficking. At the state level, public security secretariats are also investing in the acquisition of new technologies to respond to the public outcry against crime across the country.  

Table 1: Below is a summary chart of sectors expected to have the most equipment demand.

Source: Data from Security Industry Elaboration (SIA).

Table 2: Brazilian Safety and Security Market in US billions.

Source: Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada (Ipea); Associação Brasileira das Empresas de Sistemas Eletrônicos de Segurança (ABESE); Federação Nacional das Empresas de Segurança e Transporte de Valores (Fenavist); Sistema Único de Segurança Pública (Susp)

SENASP (National Secretariat of Public Security) supports national procurement processes, enabling U.S. companies to provide their products and services to various sub-state police agencies across Brazil. The National Public Security Fund launched ComprasSusp the largest public procurement platform for public security in the country. This represents an unprecedented advancement in bid management and procurement, allowing for the centralization of contracts and the creation of national price records. Compranet offers registration for foreign companies. 

Companies with know-how and technology in these areas are encouraged to establish partnerships with local Brazilian companies and participate in tenders and reverse auctions organized by the Brazilian government. To succeed in Brazil, U.S. companies must either be established in the country or have a well-informed local representative. It is important to have a distributor or systems integrator that can offer post-sales and maintenance services, offering replacement parts and repairs. Whether introducing a product to the market independently or entering with an existing local partner, it is necessary to have a well-designed market entry strategy to penetrate the Brazilian market.

Brazilian state and municipal law enforcement agencies’ acquisitions are done through public bids. Generally, bids are evaluated based on technical specifications, price, and availability, with an emphasis on the lowest price.  The company that presents the lowest price and complies with all technical requirements and documents requested in the bid wins the contract. Sole source procurement is rare and generally only occurs in the context of national security.
 

Leading Sub-Sectors and Opportunities

Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is an ongoing trend in the security industry. Companies are constantly evaluating evolving strategic technologies including artificial intelligence and native cloud computing solutions. There are many opportunities for solutions in digital transformation, including analytics capable of counting people and body camera deployment.

Major trends and most sought-after solutions for Brazilian federal, state, and local security forces include - using data analytics, migrating to intelligent monitoring, developing proactive solutions that prevent occurrences, anticipating risks, and stopping criminal actions before they happen. Cybersecurity is also priority for the Brazilian public and private sector. Brazil had more than 23B attempted cyberattacks during 2023, more than any other country in Latin America, according to data from Fortinet.

Private Security 

The private security market in Brazil, regulated and supervised by the Federal Police, is composed of 2,471 specialized companies. They provide contract surveillance services of which 1,154 companies directly hire security guards. 

Geographically, the security market is concentrated in the south and southeast regions of Brazil, where 63.4 percent of security companies and 65.5 percent of personnel exist. Outside these regions, other states such as Bahia, Ceará, Pernambuco, Goiás, and Distrito Federal (due to purchases made by the Federal Government) also have substantial investments in this area. 

The largest clients in the security market are financial and commercial institutions. Ports and airports are other high-investment segments, especially for security scanner manufacturers. 

Public Security 

The use of non-lethal weapons, such as stun guns, has been a growing market trend across both the public and private sectors. The federal government policy has shifted towards the use of less harmful devices that are expected to prompt more sales at both the national and sub-national level.  

The Ministry of Justice and Public Security plans to invest over R$100M in the purchase of 35,000 body cameras for security officers. This funding will be allocated to meet the demands of 16 states that have expressed interest in joining the federal government’s program. To receive these funds, the states must agree to comply with the rules established in the ministry’s decree. These guidelines include continuous camera operation and mandatory recording in specific situations outlined in the regulations.

Command and control centers have become the “brain and the heart” of state police agencies, which need to be able to quickly analyze and coordinate responses to ensure public safety. Most Brazilian states have already adopted or are evaluating the use of portable operational cameras for security forces. The Federal Highway Patrol Police (Polícia Rodoviária Federal or PRF) is developing technical standards to establish minimum requirements for body camera performance for deployment in the public security sector. 

Electronic Security 

The electronic security market is experiencing growth, driven by rising crime rates, globalization, and digitalization. According to the Brazilian Association of Electronic Security Systems Companies (ABESE), the sector generated US$2.6B in revenue in 2023 and is expected to grow by 17% by the end of 2024. 

According to the latest Security Industry Association’s (ABESE) report, the Brazilian market for electronic security equipment is composed as follows:

• Video Surveillance – 39.6%
• Access Control – 20.8%
• Intrusion Alarms – 19.2%
• Fire Detection and Suppression – 10.4%
• Electronic Surveillance – 10.0%

With more than 26,000 companies and an average market growth rate of 8% per year, businesses in the market expect to meet the demand for public and private security with electronic solutions that use artificial intelligence, sensors, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in lieu of lethal weapons.  

Drones 

The market for drones is segmented by application (construction, agriculture, energy, entertainment, law enforcement and others) and type (fixed-wing or rotary-wing). Technological advances, in terms of payload and electronics, are expected to increase the rapid growth in demand for drones. The market is still in the early adopter phase. 

Drones are being leveraged for a variety of applications and are being used by various government agencies to provide public services including the internet in remote locations, aerial photography and video recording, wildlife surveying and documentation.  For example, under the Protected Areas of the Amazon Region (ARPA) program the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) is planning to test small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and monitoring of the Amazon rainforest. 

To operate any type of UAV, users need to register with the Brazilian Civil Aviation Agency, ANAC.  ANAC classifies drones into 3 classes, according to the weight supported during takeoff:   

• Class 1 – Maximum takeoff weight greater than 150 kg
• Class 2 – Maximum takeoff weight greater than 25 kg and less than 150 kg
• Class 3 – Maximum takeoff weight less than 25 kg
• Drones below 250 grams are considered only for recreational purposes and are not classified  

Only class 1 and 2 drones require an Airworthiness Certificate (CA) for operation; they also need a Brazilian Aircraft Registry RAB registration like any aircraft in the Brazilian fleet. RAB defines model aircraft as unmanned aircraft used for recreational and leisure activities. In contrast, Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) are categorized as unmanned aircraft utilized for purposes beyond recreation, such as experimental, commercial, or corporate operations. Class 3 drones require System Registration of Unmanned Aircraft (SISANT).  

The tactical drones and UAV market is expected to record a compound annual growth rate of 19.85% from 2020–2025. The increasing sales of tactical UAVs can be attributed to increasing acquisitions by public security agencies, which are working to improve their autonomous capabilities. The integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and small drone swarms into existing tactical UAV technologies could provide future market opportunities for the development of advanced tactical UAV systems. 

Additionally, services provided by drones have increased in recent years, as demonstrated by the growth in the number of drones used for professional activities. According to Drakon Aero, Brazil follows global trends, and its drone market is divided among these sectors: 

• Infrastructure (35.5%)
• Agriculture (24.4%)
• Logistics (10.0%)
• Safety (8.2%)
• Entertainment (6.9%)
• Insurance (5.3%)
• Telecommunication (5.0%)
• Insurance (3.0%)
• Mining (3.4%)

There are approximately 113,000 registered drones in Brazil, according to ANAC. 

Import Requirements & Documents

Having a local office or a trusted and well-respected local representative with extensive contacts and a solid sales record is a critical business practice to succeed in Brazil. Federal and state law enforcement agencies in Brazil must obtain prior importation license and the International Importation Certificate (CII) from the Brazilian Army to fulfill importation requirements.

Selling to the Government  

To conduct business with the Brazilian government, U.S. companies must be prepared for a long and complex engagement. U.S. firms must also comply with U.S. export and Brazilian import control regulations.  

Pricing 

Brazilian state and municipal law enforcement agency acquisitions are done through public bids. Generally, bids are evaluated based on technical specifications, price, and availability, with an emphasis on lowest price. The company that presents the lowest price and complies with all technical requirements and documents requested in the bid wins the contract. Sole source procurement is rare and generally only occurs within the context of national security.   

Limitations on Selling US Products and Services  

Aeronautical products must be certified by ANAC, Brazil’s agency responsible for the regulation, inspection, and safety of civil aviation activities, aeronautical products, and airport infrastructure. Pepper spray is classified as a weapon and regulated by the Brazilian Army. Only law enforcement officers and private security agents with a recognized less-than-lethal weapons training certificate can carry it. The Brazilian government also established new homologation procedures for firearms, ballistic products, and ammunition, which are subject to certification by accredited laboratories in Brazil.

Distribution & Sales Channels  

Brazil is a large country with a complex bureaucracy.  U.S. companies without local representation may find it difficult to build relationships, get timely information, and gain access to decision-makers.  

Resources

Trade shows

• LAAD Defense & Security – International Defense and Security Fair is the meeting point for networking and updates for professionals in the areas of public security in Latin America. The exhibition brings together national and international companies that provide technologies, equipment, and services for public security, police forces, special forces, armed forces, law enforcement, homeland security, and security managers from major corporations, service concessionaires, and critical infrastructure in Brazil and Latin America. The show will take place in Rio de Janeiro from April 1-4, 2025.

Industry Business Associations  

• ABIMDE – Brazilian Defense Manufacturers Association

• AIAB – Aerospace Industries Association of Brazil

• COMDEFESA/ FIESP – Department of Defense and Security / State of Sao Paulo Industry Federation    

• ABESE - Brazilian Association of Electronic Security Equipment

• ABSEG – Brazilian Association of Security Professionals

• FENAVIST – National Federation of Security Companies

For more information, please contact the U.S. Commercial Service Industry Specialist: genard.burity@trade.gov