diff --git a/plugins/module_utils/_netapp.py b/plugins/module_utils/_netapp.py
index 5c4d0abd9f..d6d0903f16 100644
--- a/plugins/module_utils/_netapp.py
+++ b/plugins/module_utils/_netapp.py
@@ -27,6 +27,9 @@
 # LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE
 # USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
 
+from __future__ import (absolute_import, division, print_function)
+__metaclass__ = type
+
 import json
 import os
 import random