diff --git a/toolchain.inc b/toolchain.inc
index b54d95935b..73f08323a9 100644
--- a/toolchain.inc
+++ b/toolchain.inc
@@ -84,6 +84,7 @@ set_stage_toolchain= \
 # @2: compiler set to be used
 # e.g.: smm special class uses i386 as compiler set
 define create_class_compiler
+$(if $(2),,$(error building $(1) without the required toolchain))
 CC_$(1) := $(CC_$(2))
 LD_$(1) := $(LD_$(2))
 NM_$(1) := $(NM_$(2))