diff --git a/CHANGES.rst b/CHANGES.rst
index a2df91a3..4dd9d5df 100644
--- a/CHANGES.rst
+++ b/CHANGES.rst
@@ -1,3 +1,15 @@
+v6.0.0
+======
+
+* #419: Declared ``Distribution`` as an abstract class, enforcing
+  definition of abstract methods in instantiated subclasses. It's no
+  longer possible to instantiate a ``Distribution`` or any subclasses
+  unless they define the abstract methods.
+
+  Please comment in the issue if this change breaks any projects.
+  This change will likely be rolled back if it causes significant
+  disruption.
+
 v5.2.0
 ======
 
diff --git a/importlib_metadata/__init__.py b/importlib_metadata/__init__.py
index 26a1388c..9a36a8e6 100644
--- a/importlib_metadata/__init__.py
+++ b/importlib_metadata/__init__.py
@@ -346,7 +346,7 @@ def __repr__(self):
         return f'<FileHash mode: {self.mode} value: {self.value}>'
 
 
-class Distribution:
+class Distribution(metaclass=abc.ABCMeta):
     """A Python distribution package."""
 
     @abc.abstractmethod
diff --git a/tests/test_main.py b/tests/test_main.py
index 7b8d797f..f0f84983 100644
--- a/tests/test_main.py
+++ b/tests/test_main.py
@@ -43,6 +43,10 @@ def test_package_not_found_mentions_metadata(self):
 
         assert "metadata" in str(ctx.exception)
 
+    def test_abc_enforced(self):
+        with self.assertRaises(TypeError):
+            type('DistributionSubclass', (Distribution,), {})()
+
     @fixtures.parameterize(
         dict(name=None),
         dict(name=''),