diff --git a/frappe/core/doctype/data_import/importer.py b/frappe/core/doctype/data_import/importer.py
index 2df0cf3df5..67507ef169 100644
--- a/frappe/core/doctype/data_import/importer.py
+++ b/frappe/core/doctype/data_import/importer.py
@@ -647,7 +647,8 @@ class ImportFile:
 		elif extension == "xls":
 			data = read_xls_file_from_attached_file(content)
 
-		self.validate_columns_of_import_file(data)
+		if self.import_type == INSERT:
+			self.validate_columns_of_import_file(data)
 		return data