diff --git a/lib/ftp.c b/lib/ftp.c
index 900def4bb..2ae973790 100644
--- a/lib/ftp.c
+++ b/lib/ftp.c
@@ -2560,12 +2560,14 @@ static CURLcode ftp_statemach_act(struct connectdata *conn)
       break;
 
     case FTP_CCC:
-      /* First shut down the SSL layer (note: this call will block) */
-      result = Curl_ssl_shutdown(conn, FIRSTSOCKET);
+      if (ftpcode < 500) {
+	/* First shut down the SSL layer (note: this call will block) */
+	result = Curl_ssl_shutdown(conn, FIRSTSOCKET);
 
-      if(result) {
-        failf(conn->data, "Failed to clear the command channel (CCC)");
-        return result;
+	if(result) {
+	  failf(conn->data, "Failed to clear the command channel (CCC)");
+	  return result;
+	}
       }
 
       /* Then continue as normal */