diff --git a/lib/rucio/core/did_meta_plugins/elasticsearch_meta.py b/lib/rucio/core/did_meta_plugins/elasticsearch_meta.py
index 89e1280cf6..27e76cadea 100644
--- a/lib/rucio/core/did_meta_plugins/elasticsearch_meta.py
+++ b/lib/rucio/core/did_meta_plugins/elasticsearch_meta.py
@@ -165,6 +165,7 @@ def set_metadata_bulk(
         :param recursive: recurse into DIDs (not supported)
         :param session: The database session in use
         :raises DataIdentifierNotFound: If the DID is not found.
+        :raises UnsupportedOperation: If recursive inserts are requested (currently unsupported).
         :raises RucioException: If an error occurs while setting the metadata.
         """
         doc_id = f"{scope.internal}{name}"
@@ -186,6 +187,9 @@ def set_metadata_bulk(
         except Exception as err:
             raise exception.RucioException(err)
 
+        if recursive:
+            raise exception.UnsupportedOperation(f"'{self.plugin_name.lower()}' metadata module does not currently support recursive inserts of metadata")
+
     def delete_metadata(
         self,
         scope: "InternalScope",