diff --git a/meta/classes/package.bbclass b/meta/classes/package.bbclass
index fc83424..85d6e81 100644
--- a/meta/classes/package.bbclass
+++ b/meta/classes/package.bbclass
@@ -74,6 +74,12 @@ def do_split_packages(d, root, file_regex, output_pattern, description, postinst
     given package, usually plugins or modules.
     """
 
+    dvar = d.getVar('PKGD', True)
+
+    # If the root doesn't exist, return early
+    if not os.path.exists(dvar + root):
+        return
+
     ml = d.getVar("MLPREFIX", True)
     if ml:
         if not output_pattern.startswith(ml):
@@ -88,8 +94,6 @@ def do_split_packages(d, root, file_regex, output_pattern, description, postinst
         if newdeps:
             extra_depends = " ".join(newdeps)
 
-    dvar = d.getVar('PKGD', True)
-
     packages = d.getVar('PACKAGES', True).split()
 
     if postinst: