Brussels, 01/07/2002 (Agence Europe) - The regulation of the 3 May 2002 for a new method for fighting against fraud (false declarations) in the field of bovine meat refunds, entered into force on 1 July. This new method for determining the sex and origin of the meat benefiting from an export refund is based on the polymerase chain reaction and includes the taking of samples, DNA extractions and electrophoresis on gel. The Commission explains that this method, which will be used by EU customs laboratories, was developed in collaboration with the Common Research Centre (CRC). The Commission pointed out that the trade in bovine meat receives several million Euro in export refunds and the amounts for male bovine meat are much higher than that given for female bovine meat. The Commission believes it essential to ensure that the declarations on the sex of the meat exported are done correctly.