diff --git a/bbot/scanner/preset/args.py b/bbot/scanner/preset/args.py
index 912c76628..13723ea01 100644
--- a/bbot/scanner/preset/args.py
+++ b/bbot/scanner/preset/args.py
@@ -144,7 +144,8 @@ def preset_from_args(self):
             deps_config["behavior"] = "disable"
         elif self.parsed.ignore_failed_deps:
             deps_config["behavior"] = "ignore_failed"
-        args_preset.core.merge_custom({"deps": deps_config})
+        if deps_config:
+            args_preset.core.merge_custom({"deps": deps_config})
 
         # other scan options
         if self.parsed.name is not None: