Yes. Gliders intended for operation in the US must hold an FAA airworthiness certificate. Foreign-manufactured gliders may qualify through FAA's bilateral airworthiness agreement process or by obtaining a special airworthiness certificate. The importer must coordinate with FAA's Aircraft Certification Office before the aircraft can be legally flown in the US.

A paraglider or hang glider fitted with an auxiliary motor that provides meaningful propulsion is generally classified under the powered-aircraft heading (8802) rather than here. Heading 8801 is reserved for non-powered aircraft. The presence of any engine capable of sustaining flight typically moves the article to the powered category, though the specific design and FAA certification category may influence the final determination.