diff --git a/synapse/api/filtering.py b/synapse/api/filtering.py
index b7e5d3222f..fa4de2614d 100644
--- a/synapse/api/filtering.py
+++ b/synapse/api/filtering.py
@@ -12,8 +12,6 @@
 # WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
 # See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
 # limitations under the License.
-from twisted.internet import defer
-
 from synapse.api.errors import SynapseError
 from synapse.types import UserID, RoomID