diff --git a/classification/models/classification.py b/classification/models/classification.py
index f49abdd41..573b98419 100644
--- a/classification/models/classification.py
+++ b/classification/models/classification.py
@@ -1133,8 +1133,9 @@ def process_entry(self, cell: VCDataCell, source: str):
         e_key = cell.e_key
         note = cell.note
 
-        if value and '\u00a0' in value:
-            value = value.replace('\u00a0', ' ')
+        if isinstance(value, str):
+            if '\u00a0' in value:
+                value = value.replace('\u00a0', ' ')
         if note and '\u00a0' in note:
             note = note.replace('\u00a0', ' ')