Overview 

Growing awareness of safety and security solutions, increased outsourcing of public security functions, and technology convergence and integration represent some of the biggest current changes in the safety and security industry. Security systems, products and services are increasingly becoming an integral part of day-to-day life, and the importance of the industry is growing. Today’s safety and security industry is rapidly expanding beyond its traditional boundaries. Despite Finland’s low overall crime rate, its safety and security market has grown continuously for the last ten to fifteen years and is expected to continue doing so. Crime involving the use of drones has emerged as a new phenomenon. Cybercrime volumes have increased. In particular, the number of cases of online fraud, identity theft and sexual abuse of children continues to grow. Police are constantly developing capabilities to investigate cybercrime. 

General interest in private security products and services, public funding cutbacks in law enforcement resources, and outsourcing of safety and security related services by private and public entities have increased market demand. The safety and security sector is very scattered with over 400 companies in the market, mostly ranging from small to medium-sized companies. The largest security companies, which represent a minority in the market, nevertheless employ close to 80 percent of the industry’s personnel, and generate most of the sector’s turnover. There has also been some big company merges of already big safety and security actors. 

Information security products and services, guard services, and structural security products are the largest sub-sectors, but new emerging business areas are security of logistics, home security, environmental and infrastructural security solutions and drones used in guard services and fire detection/prevention. The largest industries contracting security services are the manufacturing industry, real estate and construction, and trade in general. U.S. made safety and security products have a good reputation and are considered to be of high quality. On the downside, some products – especially on the fire safety sector- are also seen as expensive and not compatible with EU standards. 

Leading Sub-Sectors 

Information security products and services 

Cloud based access management 

Integrated security technologies 

Biometric/3D identifiers 

Home/office security 

Wireless smart locks 

Drones 

Opportunities 

There are no trade barriers for safety and security equipment. Customs duties vary between two to five percent. Products that are imported or exported within the EU must have CE marking and, in some cases, must meet EU product standards. Companies offering private security services must have a license issued by the police, which works under the National Police Board. Customers are expecting more comprehensive security solutions from security guard services. The National Police Board grants trade permits for dealing in firearms; permits for commercial export, import, transfer and transit. There are few safety related shows in Finland. The biggest, FinnSec Expo, which is organized bi-annually. Next one will be in 11-12 October 2023. 

Resources 

The National Police Board 

The Ministry of the Interior 

Finnsecurity 

Information  

Interested parties may contact Commercial Specialist Tiina Ketelä-Juvonen, tiina.ketela@trade.gov