diff --git a/barcode/writer.py b/barcode/writer.py
index 139e525..1dc0f00 100755
--- a/barcode/writer.py
+++ b/barcode/writer.py
@@ -308,7 +308,8 @@ def _init(self, code):
             "height": SIZE.format(height),
         }
         _set_attributes(self._root, **attributes)
-        self._root.appendChild(self._document.createComment(COMMENT))
+        if COMMENT:
+            self._root.appendChild(self._document.createComment(COMMENT))
         # create group for easier handling in 3rd party software
         # like corel draw, inkscape, ...
         group = self._document.createElement("g")