The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers has instructed French lawyers to challenge new border inspection requirements that it warns could disrupt British meat exports to the EU.

The rules, which took effect on 1 August, require operators to assist official veterinarians by moving hanging carcasses inside trailers during inspections at the French border.

Consignments could be refused entry if operators are unable to comply.

AIMS said it had appointed French administrative lawyer Maître Miguel Nicolas to examine whether the requirements were proportionate, practical and legally justified.

Formal representations have now been submitted to France’s Directorate General for Food and its veterinary and phytosanitary border inspection service, SIVEP.

The submissions have been acknowledged and are under consideration by the French authorities.

AIMS executive director Dr Jason Aldiss said: “These changes have the potential to cause significant disruption to exports of British meat into the European Union if they are implemented inconsistently or without adequate guidance.

“Rather than simply expressing concern, AIMS has taken proactive legal action in France to ensure the industry’s voice is heard directly by the competent authorities.”

The trade body’s legal advice found there was no immediate mechanism available to prevent the measures coming into force.

However, AIMS said there were legitimate questions over whether the requirements placed inappropriate operational burdens on exporters and hauliers.

Its legal strategy will seek clarification from the French authorities, establish a formal record of its concerns and prepare the basis for a potential complaint to the European Commission.

The association also said it was ready to challenge individual cases where consignments were refused entry without sufficient justification.

Aldiss added: “Our priority is to protect the ability of UK exporters to trade efficiently while ensuring that any inspection requirements remain practical, proportionate and legally justified.

“We will continue to pursue every appropriate avenue on behalf of our members.”

AIMS said it would continue working with its French legal advisers, UK government departments and industry stakeholders to minimise disruption.

The organisation is also preparing for separate changes to EU rules covering treated pallets, which are due to come into force on 1 September.

AIMS represents businesses including abattoirs, meat and poultry processors, catering butchers, egg packers and pet food manufacturers.

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