State Express 555: the name, the emblem and the British heritage
State Express 555 takes its name from a registry of vehicle numbers — the “State Express” was a British express train line, and the 555 designation came from an early vehicle registration register. From that odd origin came one of the most durable cigarette names of the 20th century, particularly strong across Asia.
| Check | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Origin | British, registered in the 1890s |
| Recognition | One of the best-known names in Asian tobacco markets |
| Signature | The gold 555 emblem on a distinctive pack |
| Australian pack | Plain brown — the emblem cannot appear |
Why the number stuck
A numeral is easier to recall and pronounce across languages than a compound brand phrase, which is part of why 555 built recognition across very different markets. That same recognition makes it a counterfeiting target worldwide.
Buying 555 in Australia
Legal Australian stock is plain-packed, duty-paid and invoiced. Overseas-packaged 555 is not lawful retail stock here, and personal imports of cigarettes require an ABF permit and cannot arrive through international mail.
Before you order — four checks that never change
- Price against the excise floor. Duty is $1.55274 a stick from 1 September 2026 — about $31 in a 20-pack and $310 in a carton. 555 is heavily counterfeited — check pack compliance and the duty floor before anything else.
- The pack in the photo. Legal Australian stock is drab brown (Pantone 448C) with graphic warnings covering at least 75% of the front and 90% of the back — no logos, no brand artwork.
- Age and delivery. Distance sellers must verify you are 18 or over, and somebody who can sign and show ID has to be at the address. Lockers and unstaffed addresses can be refused.
- State rules. South Australia prohibits mail and online tobacco orders outright; everywhere else requires an age-verification system.
Related reading
This article is general information, not medical or legal advice. All tobacco products are harmful and state rules change — check your state or territory regulator before ordering. For help quitting call Quitline on 13 7848.