diff --git a/.github/workflows/python-package.yml b/.github/workflows/python-package.yml
index 767a691e..231dec02 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/python-package.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/python-package.yml
@@ -51,6 +51,12 @@ jobs:
       - name: Upgrade PyOpenSSL
         run: python -m pip install pyOpenSSL --upgrade
 
+      - name: Install smart_open without dependencies
+        run: pip install -e .
+
+      - name: Check that smart_open imports without dependencies
+        run: python -c 'import smart_open'
+
       - name: Install smart_open and its dependencies
         run: pip install -e .[test]