diff --git a/homeassistant/components/rpi_gpio.py b/homeassistant/components/rpi_gpio.py
index 3d0a068f8ca..bb0d7b841be 100644
--- a/homeassistant/components/rpi_gpio.py
+++ b/homeassistant/components/rpi_gpio.py
@@ -8,10 +8,6 @@ https://home-assistant.io/components/rpi_gpio/
 """
 
 import logging
-try:
-    import RPi.GPIO as GPIO
-except ImportError:
-    GPIO = None
 from homeassistant.const import (EVENT_HOMEASSISTANT_START,
                                  EVENT_HOMEASSISTANT_STOP)
 REQUIREMENTS = ['RPi.GPIO==0.6.1']
@@ -22,9 +18,7 @@ _LOGGER = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 # pylint: disable=no-member
 def setup(hass, config):
     """ Sets up the Raspberry PI GPIO component. """
-    if GPIO is None:
-        _LOGGER.error('RPi.GPIO not available. rpi_gpio ports ignored.')
-        return False
+    import RPi.GPIO as GPIO
 
     def cleanup_gpio(event):
         """ Stuff to do before stop home assistant. """
@@ -41,27 +35,32 @@ def setup(hass, config):
 
 def setup_output(port):
     """ Setup a GPIO as output. """
+    import RPi.GPIO as GPIO
     GPIO.setup(port, GPIO.OUT)
 
 
 def setup_input(port, pull_mode):
     """ Setup a GPIO as input. """
+    import RPi.GPIO as GPIO
     GPIO.setup(port, GPIO.IN,
                GPIO.PUD_DOWN if pull_mode == 'DOWN' else GPIO.PUD_UP)
 
 
 def write_output(port, value):
     """ Write a value to a GPIO. """
+    import RPi.GPIO as GPIO
     GPIO.output(port, value)
 
 
 def read_input(port):
     """ Read a value from a GPIO. """
+    import RPi.GPIO as GPIO
     return GPIO.input(port)
 
 
 def edge_detect(port, event_callback, bounce):
     """ Adds detection for RISING and FALLING events. """
+    import RPi.GPIO as GPIO
     GPIO.add_event_detect(
         port,
         GPIO.BOTH,