diff --git a/tests/test_import_order.py b/tests/test_import_order.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..f4698836
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/test_import_order.py
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+import pytest
+
+
+def test_wrong_import_order():
+    from firedrake import UnitIntervalMesh, assemble, dx
+    mesh = UnitIntervalMesh(2)
+    assemble(1*dx(domain=mesh))
+
+    # the best we can do is to check for Exception
+    # because we cannot import IrksomeImportOrderException
+    # after firedrake without raising the exception
+    # or before firedrake without preventing the failure.
+    with pytest.raises(Exception):
+        import irksome  # noqa F401
+
+    with pytest.raises(Exception):
+        from irksome import Dt  # noqa F401