diff --git a/meta/classes/icecc.bbclass b/meta/classes/icecc.bbclass
index 159cae20f8ca..df73e31e9514 100644
--- a/meta/classes/icecc.bbclass
+++ b/meta/classes/icecc.bbclass
@@ -159,6 +159,12 @@ def use_icecc(bb,d):
             bb.debug(1, "%s: bbclass %s found in disable, disable icecc" % (pn, bbclass))
             return "no"
 
+    # PN set to 'no-pn' indicates that bitbake is at the early
+    # bb.build_dependencies() stage and it's not possible to use the value to
+    # decide if icecc can be used.
+    if pn == "no-pn":
+        return "no"
+
     disabled_recipes = (d.getVar('ICECC_RECIPE_DISABLE') or "").split()
     enabled_recipes = (d.getVar('ICECC_RECIPE_ENABLE') or "").split()