diff --git a/numpy/__init__.py b/numpy/__init__.py
index 1f60f074c..144569d49 100644
--- a/numpy/__init__.py
+++ b/numpy/__init__.py
@@ -201,6 +201,8 @@ else:
     del PytestTester
 
 
+    __mkl_version__ = "__MKL_VERSION__"
+
     def _sanity_check():
         """
         Quick sanity checks for common bugs caused by environment.
