# Is import-fresh ESM-only? Can you require() it?

> import-fresh@4.0.0 is ESM-only. ESM-only since 4.0.0 — last CommonJS version is 3.3.1.

Import a module while bypassing the cache

Last verified Sep 9, 2026 against import-fresh@4.0.0.

import-fresh dropped its CommonJS build in 4.0.0 (February 2026). The last version with a plain require()-able CommonJS entry is 3.3.1, published Feb 2, 2025; it declares support for Node.js >=6.

On Node.js 22.12+ and newer (import-fresh@4.0.0 declares Node.js >=22.15), require("import-fresh") works with the latest version: Node.js loads synchronous ES modules through require(). Verified on Node.js 22, 24 and 26. Node.js 18 has no require(esm), and import-fresh@4.0.0 declares Node.js >=22.15, so 18 is outside its supported range anyway.

import-fresh@4.0.0 declares engines ">=22.15", so Node.js 18, 20 are outside its supported range regardless of module format.

## What to do

1. On Node.js 22.12+ and newer (import-fresh@4.0.0 declares Node.js >=22.15), require("import-fresh") works with the latest version: Node.js loads synchronous ES modules through require(). Verified on Node.js 22, 24 and 26.
2. From a CommonJS file, use a dynamic import inside an async function: const importFresh = await import("import-fresh"). That works on every Node.js version the package supports (>=22.15).
3. If you need a synchronous require() or run Node.js 18: npm install import-fresh@3.3.1, the last CommonJS release (published Feb 2, 2025); it declares Node.js >=6.
4. import-fresh@4.0.0 declares engines ">=22.15", so Node.js 18, 20 are unsupported regardless: upgrade Node.js or pin an older release.
5. TypeScript: types are bundled; install nothing extra.

## Facts

- Latest: 4.0.0 (Feb 25, 2026)
- Module format: ESM-only
- Last CommonJS version: 3.3.1
- ESM-only since: 4.0.0 (Feb 25, 2026)
- TypeScript types: bundled
- Node engines: >=22.15
- Weekly downloads: 132.8M
- License: MIT

## Runtime test results for import-fresh@4.0.0

Installed and executed on Sep 9, 2026 with require("import-fresh") from a CommonJS file and import "import-fresh" from an ES module.

| Runtime | require("import-fresh") | import "import-fresh" |
|---|---|---|
| Node.js 18 | fails (ERR_REQUIRE_ESM) | works |
| Node.js 20 | works | works |
| Node.js 22 | works | works |
| Node.js 24 | works | works |
| Node.js 26 | works | works |
| Bun 1.4.0 | works | works |

## How to import import-fresh

ES modules:

```js
import * as importFresh from "import-fresh";
```

Namespace import shown because the ESM entry may have no default export; use named imports for what it exports.

CommonJS:

```js
// Node.js 22.12+ and newer (verified):
const importFresh = require("import-fresh");

// Any Node.js version the package supports (>=22.15), from an async function:
async function main() {
  const importFresh = await import("import-fresh");
}

// Or pin the last CommonJS release (declares Node.js >=6):
// npm install import-fresh@3.3.1
```

## Module format by version

Derived from the type, main and exports fields of every stable release on npm (9 versions; the newest 9 shown).

| Versions | Format | First published |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0.0 | ESM-only | Feb 25, 2026 |
| 2.0.0 – 3.3.1 | CommonJS | May 21, 2017 |

## Frequently asked

**Is import-fresh ESM-only?**

import-fresh@4.0.0 is ESM-only. import-fresh dropped its CommonJS build in 4.0.0 (February 2026). The last version with a plain require()-able CommonJS entry is 3.3.1, published Feb 2, 2025; it declares support for Node.js >=6.

**Which version of import-fresh still supports CommonJS / require()?**

3.3.1 is the last version of import-fresh with a CommonJS build; it declares Node.js >=6. Install it with "npm install import-fresh@3.3.1". Every version from 4.0.0 on is ESM-only.

**How do I use import-fresh from a CommonJS file?**

From a CommonJS file, use a dynamic import inside an async function: const importFresh = await import("import-fresh"). That works on every Node.js version the package supports (>=22.15). On Node.js 22.12+ and newer (import-fresh@4.0.0 declares Node.js >=22.15), require("import-fresh") works with the latest version: Node.js loads synchronous ES modules through require(). Verified on Node.js 22, 24 and 26. Alternatively pin import-fresh@3.3.1 (declares Node.js >=6).

**Does import-fresh work in Bun?**

Yes. import "import-fresh" loaded successfully in Bun 1.4.0 on Sep 9, 2026.

**Does import-fresh ship TypeScript types?**

Yes. import-fresh bundles its own type declarations; no @types package is needed.

## Links

- [import-fresh on npm](https://www.npmjs.com/package/import-fresh)
- [Source repository](https://github.com/sindresorhus/import-fresh)
- [HTML version](https://canirequire.com/package/import-fresh/)
- [JSON version](https://canirequire.com/package/import-fresh.json)

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