diff --git a/Lib/distutils/tests/test_sdist.py b/Lib/distutils/tests/test_sdist.py
index 76f5b774712..f83b9f29b64 100644
--- a/Lib/distutils/tests/test_sdist.py
+++ b/Lib/distutils/tests/test_sdist.py
@@ -346,6 +346,7 @@ class SDistTestCase(PyPIRCCommandTestCase):
         finally:
             archive.close()
 
+    @unittest.skipUnless(zlib, "requires zlib")
     def test_get_file_list(self):
         # make sure MANIFEST is recalculated
         dist, cmd = self.get_cmd()