Crossword Genius

Officialdom requires extremely rare draft copy (3,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

red tape

'officialdom' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'extremely rare draft copy' is the wordplay.
'extremely' suggests removing the centre.
'draft' becomes 'dt' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'copy' becomes 'ape' (synonyms).
'rare' with its centre removed is 're'.
're'+'dt'+'ape'='RED-TAPE'

'requires' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for red tape that I've seen before include "Excessive bureaucracy (3.4)" , "officialdom" , "Intricate official routine" , "bureaucratic snarl-up?" , "Bureaucratic papers and routines" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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