diff --git a/python/jupytergis_lab/jupytergis_lab/__init__.py b/python/jupytergis_lab/jupytergis_lab/__init__.py
index 0e97f0eb..fde10955 100644
--- a/python/jupytergis_lab/jupytergis_lab/__init__.py
+++ b/python/jupytergis_lab/jupytergis_lab/__init__.py
@@ -7,8 +7,12 @@
     import warnings
     __version__ = "dev"
 
-from .notebook import GISDocument  # noqa
+import sys
+
+if sys.platform == "emscripten":
+    raise ImportError("Cannot use the JupyterGIS Python API in a JupyterLite kernel yet")
 
+from .notebook import GISDocument  # noqa
 
 def _jupyter_labextension_paths():
     return [{"src": "labextension", "dest": "@jupytergis/jupytergis-lab"}]