Coding⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-04

How to Fix: Error: require() of ES modules is not supported when importing node-fetch

Quick Answer: The issue is likely due to the fact that node-fetch version 3.0.0 and later versions are ES modules, which require a specific configuration in your project to work with CommonJS modules like Node.js. You need to update your package.json file to use the esm option when importing node-fetch.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 🛑 Root Causes of the Error
  2. ✅ Best Solutions to Fix It
  3. 💡 Conclusion

The 'require() of ES modules is not supported when importing node-fetch' error occurs when trying to import the node-fetch package in a JavaScript file that uses ES modules. This issue affects developers who use Node.js with ES module support, such as those using Ubuntu 20.04.2 LTS in Windows Subsystem for Linux.

This error can be frustrating because it prevents the developer from importing the node-fetch package and continuing with their program. However, there is a straightforward solution to resolve this issue.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

  • The primary reason for this error is that Node.js version 14.17.6 does not support ES modules by default. Although you are using Ubuntu 20.04.2 LTS in Windows Subsystem for Linux, which includes Node.js, the specific version of Node.js installed may not have ES module support enabled.
  • Another possible reason for this error is that the node-fetch package version (3.0.0) requires Node.js to be installed with ES module support. If you are using a different version of node-fetch or if it's not compatible with your Node.js version, this could also lead to the same error.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Enabling ES Module Support in Node.js

  1. Step 1: Open the terminal and run the command `node --inspect-experimental esm` to enable ES module support for the current session.
  2. Step 2: Alternatively, you can install Node.js with ES module support by running the command `nvm install stable` (if using nvm) or `sudo apt-get install nodejs` (for Ubuntu 20.04.2 LTS).
  3. Step 3: After enabling ES module support, try importing the node-fetch package again to see if the error persists.

Updating Node.js Version

  1. Step 1: Open the terminal and run the command `nvm install 16` (if using nvm) or `sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade nodejs` (for Ubuntu 20.04.2 LTS) to update your Node.js version.
  2. Step 2: Once the update is complete, try importing the node-fetch package again to see if the error persists.

💡 Conclusion

To resolve the 'require() of ES modules is not supported when importing node-fetch' error, you can either enable ES module support for your current Node.js session or update your Node.js version to a stable one that supports ES modules. By following these steps, you should be able to successfully import the node-fetch package and continue with your program.

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