If you are an Australian adult comparing cigarette cartons online, you will notice that some products are called “Lights”, others “Mild”, and others carry no strength word at all. These names are traditional strength labels that have been used on cigarette packaging for decades. This article explains what they mean, how they relate to the mg numbers printed on the pack, and how to compare cartons before you order.
Adults 18+ only. Tobacco contains nicotine, which is addictive, and smoking causes serious health harm. This article explains what product labels mean; it is not health advice, a reduced-risk claim, or a recommendation to smoke.
What “light” and “mild” mean
“Light” and “mild” are traditional marketing descriptors. In the past they were used for cigarettes whose filters were designed to produce lower machine-measured tar and nicotine yields, usually through filter ventilation. “Light” generally sat below “mild” on the traditional scale, with “full flavour” (or “regular”) at the top of the scale.
Because these words could mislead buyers into thinking a product was safer, regulators in several countries — including Australia — restricted or banned “light” and “mild” as product descriptors. Manufacturers largely switched to colour coding instead: silver or white for light profiles, blue for mild profiles, and red for full-flavour profiles. Imported cartons sold online can still carry the traditional names, which is why you see them in the Vaqlino catalogue.
Strength labels in the Vaqlino catalogue (checked 5 August 2026)
Every Vaqlino carton contains 10 packs and prices are shown in Australian dollars. On 5 August 2026 these strength-labelled cartons were live in the catalogue:
| Product | Strength label | mg in name | Current price per carton | Regular price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESSE Lights Super Slim | Lights | – | A$195.50 | A$230.00 |
| MEVIUS Lights 8mg | Lights | 8mg | A$246.50 | A$290.00 |
| Mild MEVIUS 10mg Hard Pack | Mild | 10mg | A$229.50 | A$270.00 |
| Manchester Lights | Lights | – | A$195.50 | A$230.00 |
| Marlboro Red | Full flavour (colour-coded red) | – | A$195.50 | A$230.00 |
| Dunhill Red 6mg | Full flavour (colour-coded red) | 6mg | A$229.50 | A$270.00 |
Prices and stock are live fields and can change. Use the Vaqlino shop to confirm the current figure before checkout.
Strength words vs the mg numbers
The strength word describes the traditional profile of the product, while the mg number is the machine-measured tar or nicotine figure that appears on the pack or in the product name. For example, MEVIUS Lights 8mg carries both a “Lights” label and an 8mg figure, while Mild MEVIUS 10mg Hard Pack sits at 10mg. If you want the detail behind those numbers, read what the mg numbers on cigarette packs mean.
How to compare cartons before you order
When you compare cartons, look at the full product name first: the strength word, the mg figure, and the pack format (for example super slim or hard pack). Then confirm the unit — each Vaqlino carton is one carton containing 10 packs — and compare the current price with the regular price. Finally, check the stock status on the product page so you know the carton is available before you add it to your order.
The important part: labels are not a safety rating
“Light”, “mild” and “full flavour” describe a taste profile and a traditional machine-measured yield. They are not a measure of how safe a product is, and switching from a full-flavour product to a light or mild product does not reduce the health risks of smoking. No tobacco product is risk-free. Vaqlino sells only to adults aged 18 and over, and every order is subject to the age-gate and terms shown on the site.