diff --git a/app/logical/alias_and_implication_importer.rb b/app/logical/alias_and_implication_importer.rb
index 7290f895d..25793320d 100644
--- a/app/logical/alias_and_implication_importer.rb
+++ b/app/logical/alias_and_implication_importer.rb
@@ -155,7 +155,7 @@ private
           TagBatchChangeJob.perform_later(token[1], token[2], User.system, "127.0.0.1")
 
         when :change_category
-          tag = Tag.find_by_name(token[1])
+          tag = Tag.find_or_create_by_name(token[1])
           tag.category = Tag.categories.value_for(token[2])
           tag.save
 
diff --git a/test/unit/bulk_update_request_test.rb b/test/unit/bulk_update_request_test.rb
index 44c473a28..30ecf6752 100644
--- a/test/unit/bulk_update_request_test.rb
+++ b/test/unit/bulk_update_request_test.rb
@@ -160,6 +160,14 @@ class BulkUpdateRequestTest < ActiveSupport::TestCase
 
         assert_equal(Tag.categories.meta, tag.reload.category)
       end
+
+      should "work for a new tag" do
+        bur = FactoryBot.create(:bulk_update_request, :script => "category new_tag -> meta")
+        bur.approve!(@admin)
+
+        assert_not_nil(Tag.find_by_name("new_tag"))
+        assert_equal(Tag.categories.meta, Tag.find_by_name("new_tag").category)
+      end
     end
 
     context "with an associated forum topic" do