diff --git a/py/desispec/image_model.py b/py/desispec/image_model.py
index a5900b74c..127336af7 100644
--- a/py/desispec/image_model.py
+++ b/py/desispec/image_model.py
@@ -22,7 +22,6 @@
 from desispec.qproc.qextract import qproc_boxcar_extraction
 from desispec.qproc.qsky import qproc_sky_subtraction
 from desispec.qproc.qfiberflat import qproc_apply_fiberflat
-from desispec.trace_shifts import compute_dx_from_cross_dispersion_profiles
 
 @numba.jit
 def numba_proj(image,x,sigma,flux) :
@@ -75,6 +74,9 @@ def compute_image_model(image,xytraceset,fiberflat=None,fibermap=None,with_spect
 
     log=get_logger()
 
+    # this is done here to avoid circular import
+    from desispec.trace_shifts import compute_dx_from_cross_dispersion_profiles
+
     if fit_x_shift :
         t0=time.time()
         log.info("fitting dx ...")