An action plan has been drawn up to help tackle unfair charges to deliver goods to customers in the north and north-east.
The proposals follow a summit held on the issue this week, featuring Scottish Government ministers, retailers and delivery firms.
The talks focused on calls to highlight the problem by holding an annual “Fair Delivery Day”, as well as the need to carry out economic analysis on what would constitute fair delivery prices, and any scope to use technology to improve collaberation between retailers and delivery companies.
The summit was held following a high profile campaign by Moray MSP Richard Lochhead against the excessive and hidden fees often required to have goods delivered to northern Scotland.
Connectivity Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “The Scottish Government and members of the Scottish Parliament have long called for an end to the unfair delivery charges that many Scottish communities face.
“We have repeatedly called on the UK Government to regulate delivery surcharges, and this meeting brought together key partners, including delivery companies and consumer groups, to discuss how we can ensure that the market works in the interests of Scottish consumers and businesses.
“We had an open and focused discussion on a range of issues and I look forward to working with the industry, and elected members who have led on this issue, to progress the proposals discussed to support Scottish consumers.”
Mr Lochhead welcomed the ideas discussed at the summit.
He said: “Often absurd parcel delivery surcharges and misleading offers of free delivery have hit consumers and businesses in my constituency and across Scotland unfairly and disproportionately – costing Scots £36 million a year.
“While it’s one thing to raise awareness – and recognition of this issue has never been greater – it’s important that businesses, regulators and governments take action.
“Following my parliamentary debate on the issue and continued campaigning, it is good to see the Scottish Government take swift action. I hope the UK Government which, after all has regulatory responsibility, will now do likewise.”
Last week, Highland Council launched a one-stop website where people can access information relating to blanket claims such as “free UK delivery” promotions which actually exclude many Scottish consumers, as well as advice on how to complain if surcharges are added at the end of the online buying process.