diff --git a/config/linux/gconf/BUILD.gn b/config/linux/gconf/BUILD.gn
index 60edf2d42..262e96aa8 100644
--- a/config/linux/gconf/BUILD.gn
+++ b/config/linux/gconf/BUILD.gn
@@ -8,6 +8,11 @@ import("//build/config/linux/pkg_config.gni")
 # CrOS doesn't install GTK, gconf or any gnome packages.
 assert(!is_chromeos && use_gconf)
 
+# These packages should _only_ be expected when building for a target.
+# If these extra checks are not run, gconf is required when building host
+# tools for a CrOS build.
+assert(current_toolchain == default_toolchain)
+
 pkg_config("gconf") {
   packages = [ "gconf-2.0" ]
   defines = [ "USE_GCONF" ]