There are several synonyms for the term "official procedure" which refer to a formal process undertaken by a government agency, business or institution. One such term is "protocol," which is typically associated with the rules and customs that govern diplomatic relationships between countries. Another synonym for "official procedure" is "red tape," which refers to bureaucratic procedures that can be time-consuming and frustrating. "Routine" is also a synonym for official procedure, as it suggests a predictable and established process that is followed regularly. Other possibilities include "policy," "process," "standard operating procedure" and "system," all of which refer to an established set of rules and procedures that must be followed in order to achieve a desired outcome.