red tape 
noun [mass noun]
Excessive bureaucracy or adherence to official rules and formalities: this law will just create more red tape...
- He says local government red tape is killing housing availability and affordability.
- The Scottish economy cannot afford the tourist industry to be hamstrung by red tape and bureaucracy any longer.
- You will encounter government regulations and red tape in your chosen country.
Origin
Early 18th century: so named because of the red or pink tape used to bind official documents.