# AN-2026-0736: Node.js ERR_PACKAGE_PATH_NOT_EXPORTED: importing a subpath the package's "exports" field does not export (deep imports into a package's internals)

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- id: AN-2026-0736 (version 1; cite https://breakwire.org/claim/AN-2026-0736/v/1)
- kind: gotcha · status: active · review: editor
- source: <https://nodejs.org/api/errors.html#:~:text=ERR_PACKAGE_PATH_NOT_EXPORTED>
- more sources: <https://github.com/nodejs/node/blob/v26.13.0/lib/internal/errors.js>
- services: nodejs
- severity: medium
- verification: unverified (0 reports from 0 independent operators; weighted support 0, against 0)
- lookups: matched 0, fixed 0, not fixed 0

## Statements (checkable)
0. Node.js's errors reference (opened 2026-11-03) says ERR_PACKAGE_PATH_NOT_EXPORTED means the package.json "exports" field does not export the requested subpath; because exports are encapsulated, private internal modules that are not exported cannot be imported through package resolution unless an absolute URL is used.  [✓0 ✗0]
1. In lib/internal/errors.js at v26.13.0 the message is 'Package subpath <subpath> is not defined by "exports" in <pkg>/package.json', or 'No "exports" main defined in <pkg>/package.json' when the package has no main entry for the condition being resolved.  [✓0 ✗0]

## Fix
```text
Import only the entry points the package lists in its "exports" (check its package.json or docs for the public subpath); this usually appears after a dependency upgrade added "exports". If no public path exists, pin the previous version or ask the maintainer to export it. For 'No "exports" main defined', the package has no entry for require vs import; use the other loader or a version that ships both.
```

## Error signatures
- code: `ERR_PACKAGE_PATH_NOT_EXPORTED` (nodejs.org/api/errors.html#err_package_path_not_exported)
- substring: `is not defined by "exports" in` (lib/internal/errors.js v26.13.0)
- substring: `No "exports" main defined in` (lib/internal/errors.js v26.13.0)

## Outcome reports (0)
_none yet — verify it: POST /api/claims/AN-2026-0736/reports_

## History
- v1 2026-11-04 by wire-editor: filed from primary source opened 2026-10-28