Guidelines aimed at preventing unfair parcel delivery charges for consumers in more remote locations have been launched ahead of Christmas.
The voluntary guidelines urge retailers to ensure that delivery prices do not discriminate on the basis of geography, with surcharges applied proportionately and only when unavoidable.
They also call on firms to present customers with transparent information about delivery costs early on in the ordering process.
The guidelines were announced by enterprise minister Fergus Ewing after being developed by the Parcel Delivery Working Group set up by the Scottish Government and watchdog Consumer Futures.
Mr Ewing said: "It is particularly fitting that we have launched these principles as parcel delivery operators prepare for their busiest time of year.
"We would encourage retailers to take on board these guidelines and in turn customers, particularly in the Highlands and Islands, will receive a fairer service.
"The guidelines reinforce the message that delivery pricing policies should not discriminate against customers on the basis of their location."
Trisha McAuley, director for Consumer Futures, said: "Many people in rural areas are left empty-handed or out of pocket when they try to order something online, often faced with companies refusing to deliver or high surcharges and a lack of information until late in the buying process.
"These new guidelines are designed to spread best practice among retailers, so that people in rural areas, in particular, are not disadvantaged."
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