Security alert over Chinese - manufactured toys has been issued across the world as Mattel Co . , the manufacturer of Barbie dolls that are the “ best friend ” of children around the world , announced a plan to recall its 1 million toys manufactured in China amid “ lead repercussions . ” Mattel ’ s action was taken not long after Young Toys Co . had recalled its “ Thomas and Friends ” toys worth $ 1 . 5 billion , which were also made in China and revealed to have dangerous levels of lead that can largely affect the human system . The situation is serious as over 75 percent of toys circulated throughout the globe are Chinese - made and major consumers of toys are children . Lead is a dangerous substance that may cause brain damage to growing children . As an aftereffect , not only toys , but also other products manufactured in China are rapidly losing their credibility in the world market . The United States , Europe and some Asian countries have already banned imports from China and / or recalled Chinese products including toothpaste , feed for pets , toys and foodstuffs for security reasons . Moreover , U . S . and EU are pushing Chinese government to intensify security standards for its manufactures through official channels . The South Korean authorities are also put on special alertness . The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards ( ATS ) under the Ministry of Commerce , Industry and Energy ( MOCIE ) has issued a warning to domestic consumers after checking on the fact that the same kinds of products recently recalled by some toy companies were distributed to discount stores across the nation . An ATS official said , “ The same kinds of toys that were recently recalled have not been sold yet in the domestic market , according to what we confirmed from the relevant product importers ; however , we will call on distributors to immediately halt sales of the relevant products to prevent accidents and will make a further inspection of the product importers . ” ATS also plans to report Chinese toys that are revealed to contain dangerous substances to the human system after a thorough inspection and those lacking the KPS ( Korea Products Safety ) mark to the authorities . [ Sun - young Park / KHS ] [ ⓒ Maeil Business Newspaper & mk . co . kr , All rights reserved ]