Bureaucratic procedures (3,4)
I believe the answer is:
red tape
'bureaucratic procedures' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for red tape that I've seen before include "Unnecessary regulations" , "unnecessary paperwork" , "Bureaucratic procedures and paperwork" , "Colourful bureaucratic procedure" , "Excessive bureaucracy (3.4)" .)