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no-relative-parent-import

Disallow relative parent imports such as ".." and "../*".

Targeted pattern scope​

This rule reports module sources that traverse to parent directories using patterns like .., ../**, ../../**, and deeper defaults.

It applies to import/export source strings and dynamic import strings.

What this rule reports​

This rule reports imports/exports that traverse parent directories. It helps enforce local-only imports or alias-based module boundaries.

Why this rule exists​

Preventing parent-relative imports helps enforce bounded module layers and reduces coupling across directory boundaries.

❌ Incorrect​

import service from "../service";
export * from "../../utils";

✅ Correct​

import service from "./service";
import utils from "@/utils";

Deprecated​

Behavior and migration notes​

This rule is deprecated in favor of import/no-relative-parent-imports from eslint-plugin-import.

It reports only and does not provide an autofix.

Options​

type Options = {
 allow?: string[];
 disallow?: string[];
};

Default disallow patterns include "..", "../**", "../..", "../../**", and deeper parent traversals.

Use allow for specific exceptions:

{
 allow: ["../allowed-source"];
}

Status​

Use the Deprecated section above for lifecycle details.

Additional examples​

// default disallow includes ../** and ../../**
const mod = await import("../shared/mod");
// ❌ reported

import mod from "@/shared/mod";
// ✅ valid when alias paths are allowed by your resolver

ESLint flat config example​

import etcMisc from "eslint-plugin-etc-misc";

export default [
 {
  plugins: { "etc-misc": etcMisc },
  rules: {
   "etc-misc/no-relative-parent-import": [
    "error",
    { allow: ["../allowed-source"] },
   ],
  },
 },
];

When not to use it​

Disable this rule if parent-relative imports are an accepted part of your module layout.

Package documentation​

Rule catalog ID: R036

Further reading​

Adoption resources​

  • Start at warning level in CI, then move to error after cleanup.
  • Use focused codemods/autofix batches per package or directory.