diff --git a/tools/ci/python_packages/ttfw_idf/DebugUtils.py b/tools/ci/python_packages/ttfw_idf/DebugUtils.py
index 0a6c58740..a83ba8858 100644
--- a/tools/ci/python_packages/ttfw_idf/DebugUtils.py
+++ b/tools/ci/python_packages/ttfw_idf/DebugUtils.py
@@ -14,12 +14,28 @@
 
 from __future__ import unicode_literals
 from io import open
-from tiny_test_fw import Utility
-import debug_backend
 import logging
+
 import pexpect
 import pygdbmi.gdbcontroller
 
+from tiny_test_fw import Utility
+
+try:
+    import debug_backend
+except ImportError:
+    # Exception is ignored so the package is not required for those who don't use debug utils.
+    err_msg = 'Please install py_debug_backend for debug utils to work properly!'
+
+    class debug_backend(object):
+        @staticmethod
+        def create_oocd(*args, **kwargs):
+            raise RuntimeError(err_msg)
+
+        @staticmethod
+        def create_gdb(*args, **kwargs):
+            raise RuntimeError(err_msg)
+
 
 class CustomProcess(object):
     def __init__(self, cmd, logfile, verbose=True):