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Node.js require tried to load an ES module

Error [ERR_REQUIRE_ESM]: require() of ES Module not supported

Node.js rejected a require() call because the target module is an ES module and the current loading path is not compatible with it.

ERR_REQUIRE_ESMmodules

Observed message

Error [ERR_REQUIRE_ESM]: require() of ES Module not supported

Why it happens

  • CommonJS code is trying to load an ES module with require().
  • A dependency changed from CommonJS to ESM and the caller code still uses require().
  • The project mixes module systems without an intentional interop strategy.

How to fix it

  1. Switch to import syntax where the surrounding module format supports it.
  2. Use a compatible package version or entry point if the current dependency format is incompatible.
  3. Review package type, file extensions, and runtime module settings so CommonJS and ESM boundaries are explicit.

Official reference

Node.js Errors: ERR_REQUIRE_ESM

Related errors

ERR_PACKAGE_PATH_NOT_EXPORTEDNode.js blocked access to a package subpath that is not exportedERR_MODULE_NOT_FOUNDNode.js could not resolve the requested moduleECONNREFUSEDNode.js connection was refused by the target serviceECONNRESETNode.js connection was reset by the peer

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Node.js ERR_REQUIRE_ESM: causes and fixes | Error Atlas