diff --git a/src/lib/checkbox/checkbox.html b/src/lib/checkbox/checkbox.html
index cece0500866c..b6067c6e0833 100644
--- a/src/lib/checkbox/checkbox.html
+++ b/src/lib/checkbox/checkbox.html
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@
     <div class="mat-checkbox-frame"></div>
     <div class="mat-checkbox-background">
       <svg version="1.1"
+           focusable="false"
            class="mat-checkbox-checkmark"
            xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"
            viewBox="0 0 24 24"
diff --git a/src/lib/checkbox/checkbox.spec.ts b/src/lib/checkbox/checkbox.spec.ts
index baa8bae00fca..6a13b4c51919 100644
--- a/src/lib/checkbox/checkbox.spec.ts
+++ b/src/lib/checkbox/checkbox.spec.ts
@@ -404,6 +404,10 @@ describe('MdCheckbox', () => {
           .toBe(0, 'Expected no ripple after element is blurred.');
     }));
 
+    it('should remove the SVG checkmark from the tab order', () => {
+      expect(checkboxNativeElement.querySelector('svg')!.getAttribute('focusable')).toBe('false');
+    });
+
     describe('ripple elements', () => {
 
       it('should show ripples on label mousedown', () => {