40% of Mexican Vehicle Armorers Lack Certifications: CNB

At least 40% of vehicle armoring companies in Mexico lack certifications, raising concerns about user safety, as highlighted by the National Ballistics Industry Council (CNB). According to CNB estimates, there are over 200 companies engaged in vehicle armoring in the country, but a significant portion lacks proper registration and certification.

Germán Padilla, president of the CNB's Commission of Manufacturers and Distributors of Ballistic Materials, emphasized the issue, stating, "Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous individuals in the industry who claim to offer ballistic resistance but fail to provide certification when requested."

According to CNB, while laminated glass offers ballistic resistance by design, anti-vandalism films provide limited protection against intrusion, primarily for non-ballistic threats. "Materials must adhere to Mexican, European, and US National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards to ensure compliance with safety and protection criteria”, said Daniela Yoshikuma, CNB delegate.

Regarding the surge in demand for armored vehicles, Omar Lara, president, CNB's Automotive Armoring Commission, notes that 80% of requests are for Level 3 (commercial) protection, primarily against urban assaults. However, the rising popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles presents new challenges for the industry.

"Hybrid and electric vehicles require lightweight, performance-friendly materials to maintain efficiency without compromising safety," says Lara, urging consumers to seek services from certified companies that prioritize quality and safety.