diff --git a/retrolab/__init__.py b/retrolab/__init__.py
index 8494ba1fe..4ef68fde8 100644
--- a/retrolab/__init__.py
+++ b/retrolab/__init__.py
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 from ._version import __version__
-from .app import RetroApp
 from .serverextension import load_jupyter_server_extension
 
 
@@ -12,6 +11,7 @@ def _jupyter_server_extension_paths():
 
 
 def _jupyter_server_extension_points():
+    from .app import RetroApp
     return [{"module": "retrolab", "app": RetroApp}]
 
 
diff --git a/retrolab/serverextension.py b/retrolab/serverextension.py
index e3a0be620..3df303800 100644
--- a/retrolab/serverextension.py
+++ b/retrolab/serverextension.py
@@ -1,7 +1,5 @@
-from .app import RetroApp
-
-
 def load_jupyter_server_extension(serverapp):
+    from .app import RetroApp
     extension = RetroApp()
     extension.serverapp = serverapp
     extension.load_config_file()