diff --git a/bluecellulab/importer.py b/bluecellulab/importer.py
index 2f76a61c..ba24d5ff 100644
--- a/bluecellulab/importer.py
+++ b/bluecellulab/importer.py
@@ -75,6 +75,7 @@ def print_header(neuron: ModuleType, mod_lib_path: str) -> None:
 @run_once
 def _load_hoc_and_mod_files() -> None:
     """Import hoc and mod files."""
+    neuron.load_mechanisms(".")
     logger.info("Loading the mod files.")
     mod_lib_paths = import_mod_lib(neuron)
     logger.info("Loading the hoc files.")
diff --git a/tests/test_import_directory.py b/tests/test_import_directory.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..ad034a7b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/test_import_directory.py
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+"""This test file is to ensure mechanisms are loaded where Cell is created."""
+import os
+from pathlib import Path
+
+
+def test_import_vs_first_call_neuron_mechanisms_dir():
+    """Test if the neuron import directory is set at import or at the first call."""
+    os.chdir("tests")  # there are no mechanisms here
+
+    # intentionally imported in the directory without compiled mechanisms
+    from bluecellulab import Cell  # noqa: E402
+
+    examples_dir = Path(__file__).resolve().parent / "examples"
+
+    os.chdir("..")  # mechanisms at .. should be loaded
+    hoc_path = examples_dir / "bpo_cell" / "0_cADpyr_L5TPC_a6e707a_1_sNone.hoc"
+    morph_path = examples_dir / "bpo_cell" / "C060114A5.asc"
+    _ = Cell(hoc_path, morph_path, template_format="bluepyopt")