diff --git a/mercurial/node.py b/mercurial/node.py
--- a/mercurial/node.py
+++ b/mercurial/node.py
@@ -7,7 +7,8 @@ This software may be used and distribute
 of the GNU General Public License, incorporated herein by reference.
 """
 
-import binascii
+from demandload import demandload
+demandload(globals(), "binascii")
 
 nullid = "\0" * 20