Product classification

HS code for Gliders: 8801.00

Balloons and dirigibles, gliders, hang gliders and other non-powered aircraft.

Classification of gliders under HS 8801.00

Gliders are classified under HS code 8801.00. This classification is part of Chapter 88, which encompasses aircraft, spacecraft, and related parts. Heading 8801 is specifically reserved for non-powered aircraft, which includes balloons, dirigibles, gliders, and hang gliders. The defining characteristic for classification under this code is the absence of a mechanical propulsion system (engine). Gliders are fixed-wing aircraft that rely on the dynamic reaction of the air against their lifting surfaces to remain airborne. They are typically launched by being towed into the air by a powered aircraft or a winch and then sustain flight by utilizing rising air currents (thermals). The Harmonized System groups all such non-powered, heavier-than-air craft under 8801.00. This includes high-performance sailplanes used in competitive soaring as well as simpler hang gliders and paragliders. The classification is straightforward as it distinguishes these craft from powered aircraft (8802) and parachutes (8804), based on their structural design and flight mechanics.

Covers
  • Sailplanes (high-performance gliders)
  • Hang gliders (foot-launched)
  • Paragliders (non-powered)
  • Training gliders
  • Military gliders (non-powered)
  • Meteorological balloons (as part of the broader 8801 heading)
Also under 8801.00
  • Cameron Balloons (hot air balloons)
  • Schempp-Hirth (sailplanes)
  • DG Flugzeugbau (gliders)
  • Ozone Paragliding (paragliders)
  • Wills Wing (hang gliders)

Codes often confused with 8801.00

Common mistake. Gliders are frequently misclassified under 8802.11 to 8802.40 if they are mistaken for powered aircraft. However, if an engine is added (motor-gliders), they move to 8802. Another common error is classifying recreational or scale-model gliders under 9503.00 as toys. To stay in 8801.00, the glider must be a functional aircraft capable of carrying a person or significant payload, rather than a toy model.

8802.11Helicopters, except unmanned; of an unladen weight not exceeding 2000kg8802.40Aeroplanes and other aircraft, except unmanned; of an unladen weight exceeding 15,000kg88.02Aircraft n.e.c. in heading no. 8801, except unmanned aircraft of heading 8806, (e.g. helicopters, aeroplanes); spacecraft (including satellites) and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles9503.00Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys; dolls' carriages; dolls; other toys; reduced-size (scale) models and similar recreational models, working or not; puzzles of all kinds

Top exporters and importers of HS 880100 (the code used for gliders), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880100 (the code used for gliders) in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 33% of world imports. The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 880100, not only gliders.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Czechia $11M
  2. 2 South Africa $6.3M
  3. 3 Spain $6.1M

The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

World total: $57M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Saudi Arabia $26M
  2. 2 United States $13M
  3. 3 Morocco $3.5M

World total: $78M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Brazil NCM code for gliders

Brazil classifies gliders under NCM 8801.00.00: HS 8801.00 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about gliders

What is the HS code for Gliders?

The HS code for Gliders is 880100 (Balloons and dirigibles; gliders, hang gliders and other non-powered aircraft.). The HS code for gliders, hang gliders, and other non-powered aircraft is 8801.00.

How do I classify Gliders for customs?

Gliders is classified under HS code 880100 — Balloons and dirigibles; gliders, hang gliders and other non-powered aircraft.. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are paragliders classified under the same code as gliders?

Yes, non-powered paragliders are classified under 8801.00 as they are considered non-powered aircraft, similar to hang gliders and traditional sailplanes.

Which countries are the top exporters of gliders (HS 880100)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880100 (the code used for gliders) in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($11M, 19% of world exports), South Africa ($6.3M) and Spain ($6.1M). World exports came to about $57M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Which countries are the top importers of gliders (HS 880100)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 880100 (the code used for gliders) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($26M, 33% of world imports), the United States ($13M) and Morocco ($3.5M). World imports came to about $78M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Is the HS code for Gliders the same in all countries?

The base HS code 880100 for Gliders is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.

What is the NCM code for gliders in Brazil?

In Brazil, gliders (HS 880100) is classified under NCM 8801.00.00.