diff --git a/module_build_service/web/submit.py b/module_build_service/web/submit.py
index 942790f4..9becdf76 100644
--- a/module_build_service/web/submit.py
+++ b/module_build_service/web/submit.py
@@ -279,15 +279,10 @@ def _apply_xmd_params(mmd, params):
     """
     xmd_updates = {}
 
-    ref_overrides = params.get("rpm_component_ref_overrides", {})
-    if ref_overrides:
-        xmd_updates["rpm_component_ref_overrides"] = ref_overrides
-    side_tag = params.get('side_tag')
-    if side_tag:
-        xmd_updates["side_tag"] = side_tag
-    branch = params.get('side_tag')
-    if side_tag:
-        xmd_updates["branch"] = branch
+    for param in ("rpm_component_ref_overrides", "side_tag", "branch"):
+        value = params.get(param)
+        if value:
+            xmd_updates[param] = value
 
     if not xmd_updates:
         return