Product classification
HS code for Hang gliders: 8801.00
Balloons and dirigibles, gliders, hang gliders and other non-powered aircraft.
Classification of hang gliders under HS 8801.00
Hang gliders are classified under HS code 8801.00 because they are defined as non-powered aircraft. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, products are classified based on the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 88 specifically covers aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof. Heading 8801 is reserved for balloons and dirigibles, as well as gliders and hang gliders. These items are characterized by their lack of a mechanical propulsion system, relying instead on thermal currents, wind, and the physical launch of the pilot to achieve and maintain flight. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the hang glider is of a flexible-wing design (Rogallo wing) or a rigid-wing design, provided it does not possess a motor. If a motor were added, the classification would shift to 8802, which covers powered aircraft. The distinction is vital for regulatory compliance, as non-powered gliders are often subject to different aviation safety standards and import tariffs than motorized aircraft.
- Covers
- Foot-launched flexible wing hang gliders
- Rigid wing hang gliders
- Paragliders and speed wings
- Training gliders for flight schools
- Experimental non-powered gliders
- 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. Hang gliders are frequently misclassified under HS code 8802.11, which is intended for powered aircraft such as small airplanes or helicopters. The primary differentiator is the presence of an engine. Another common error is classifying them under HS code 9503.00 as toys. However, hang gliders are professional aviation equipment designed for human transport and do not meet the criteria for toys. Additionally, some importers confuse them with parachutes under HS code 8804.00, but hang gliders are steerable wings capable of sustained flight, whereas parachutes are primarily descent-retardation devices.
Top exporters and importers of HS 880100 (the code used for hang gliders), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880100 (the code used for hang 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 hang gliders.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Czechia $11M 19% of world exports
- 2 South Africa $6.3M 11% of world exports
- 3 Spain $6.1M 11% of world exports
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 Saudi Arabia $26M 33% of world imports
- 2 United States $13M 17% of world imports
- 3 Morocco $3.5M 4.4% of world imports
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 hang gliders
Brazil classifies hang 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 hang gliders
What is the HS code for Hang gliders?
The HS code for Hang gliders is 880100 (Balloons and dirigibles; gliders, hang gliders and other non-powered aircraft.). The primary HS code for hang gliders is 8801.00, which covers non-powered aircraft including gliders and balloons.
How do I classify Hang gliders for customs?
Hang 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 motorized hang gliders classified here?
No, motorized or powered hang gliders (often called ultralights or trikes) are classified under heading 8802 because they possess mechanical propulsion.
Which countries are the top exporters of hang gliders (HS 880100)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880100 (the code used for hang 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 hang gliders (HS 880100)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 880100 (the code used for hang 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 Hang gliders the same in all countries?
The base HS code 880100 for Hang 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 hang gliders in Brazil?
In Brazil, hang gliders (HS 880100) is classified under NCM 8801.00.00.