The Nagaland government has implemented a new regulation requiring all packaged drinking water (PDW) sold within the state to obtain a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) license. This directive, issued by the state health department, underscores the importance of the BIS certification as a prerequisite for acquiring a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license or registration. The primary aim of this mandate is to ensure that all packaged drinking water meets rigorous standards for cleanliness and safety, thereby aligning with public health priorities and upholding fundamental human rights. In addition to the BIS certification requirement for locally produced PDW, the regulation extends to include all imported packaged and mineral water, which must also be BIS-certified to be permitted for sale within Nagaland. The health department has warned that non-compliance with these regulations will result in significant penalties as stipulated under sections 58 and 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, highlighting the state’s commitment to safeguarding public health through stringent quality controls.