diff --git a/debian/rules.d/0-common-vars.mk b/debian/rules.d/0-common-vars.mk
index 66d3900..b4d7a8a 100644
--- a/debian/rules.d/0-common-vars.mk
+++ b/debian/rules.d/0-common-vars.mk
@@ -106,9 +106,13 @@ endif
 # an x86'en schroot. This is the only way to build all of the packages
 # (except for tools).
 #
+ifneq ($(CROSS_COMPILE),)
+       CROSS_COMPILE := CROSS_COMPILE=$(CROSS_COMPILE)
+else
 ifneq ($(DEB_BUILD_GNU_TYPE),$(DEB_HOST_GNU_TYPE))
        CROSS_COMPILE ?= CROSS_COMPILE=$(DEB_HOST_GNU_TYPE)-
 endif
+endif

 abidir         := $(CURDIR)/$(DEBIAN)/abi/$(release)-$(revision)/$(arch)
 prev_abidir    := $(CURDIR)/$(DEBIAN)/abi/$(release)-$(prev_revision)/$(arch)