A one-stop consumer rights scheme tailored to “Scottish needs, values and geography” could be set up in the event of independence, according to a new report.
The publication, issued by the Scottish Government and launched by finance secretary John Swinney, claims a separate system from the rest of the UK would improve on the current “cluttered and confusing approach”.
It proposes a consumer ombudsman to act as a one-stop shop for complaints and disputes to provide a more “streamlined service” in the event of a Yes vote next year.
However, opposition parties said such new regulation could leave consumers worse off and risk extra charges at the border.
Mr Swinney said: “As incomes are squeezed and costs continue to increase, it is even more important that we are protected from unscrupulous traders, with those on low incomes, the elderly and the vulnerable particularly at risk of being exploited.
“Whether through the way we tackle nuisance calls, charges for parcel deliveries or the kind of financial loans available, the people of Scotland need a system that makes help easily available, offers practical solutions and has the power to make real changes where and when it is needed.”
The report says improved market regulations would stop people getting trapped in a cycle of debt through payday loans, which would also have capped interest rates.
It also claims a new delivery service would “allow greater choice and fairer prices”, while there would be tough clampdowns to deter rogue traders.
During the launch, Mr Swinney set out two options, both supported by an overarching consumer ombudsman designed to replace the 95 ombudsman schemes operating across 35 different sectors.
The first would see the creation of three agencies, covering economic regulation, competition regulation and consumer advocacy, advice, education and enforcement.
The second would consist of two agencies a combined consumer and competition authority, and a combined economic regulator.
Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Willie Rennie, said: “Splitting regulation off from the rest of the UK could make matters worse for the consumer, not better.
“The SNP’s plans for parcel delivery regulation risks hitting every home and business in Scotland with extra charges for receiving delivery from the rest of the UK.”
Scottish Labour’s spokesman on the constitution, Drew Smith, said: “On payday loans, the SNP have defended the operations of such companies as ‘fair and transparent.’
“Only now, with an eye to the referendum, do they promise to do something in the future.”
Richard Lloyd, executive director of Which?, said: “A consumer ombudsman could also help identify systemic failures that can be fixed before widespread mis-selling or other problems take root.”