How can I get delisted from Spamhaus?

Summary

To get delisted from Spamhaus, the consensus emphasizes a multi-faceted approach centered around identifying and rectifying the root cause of the listing and ensuring complete cessation of spam-related activity. The process involves thoroughly reviewing sending practices, enhancing list hygiene by removing inactive subscribers and managing bounces/complaints, and securing servers. Understanding the specific listing type (SBL, PBL, XBL) dictates tailored procedures, and if listed on the PBL, using an authenticated outbound mail relay service is critical. Proactive measures include implementing robust authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), establishing feedback loops with ISPs, and testing emails with tools like Mail-Tester. Regular monitoring of sending reputation via Google Postmaster Tools and similar services, coupled with the use of suppression lists to exclude known complainers, contributes to maintaining a clean sending record. Finally, patience and persistence are required throughout the delisting process, along with meticulously documenting and providing evidence of improved practices when requesting delisting through Spamhaus's website.

Key findings

  • Root Cause Fix: Completely stop the spam source and identify/rectify the underlying cause for the Spamhaus listing. Addressing the root problem is the highest priority.
  • Understand Listing Type: Different Spamhaus listings (SBL, PBL, XBL) demand distinct delisting actions.
  • PBL Mitigation: If PBL listed, cease direct email sending from your IPs; use an authenticated relay service.
  • List Hygiene Imperative: Maintaining excellent list hygiene through regular cleaning and suppression is vital.
  • Proactive Reputation: Consistent monitoring of your sending reputation is recommended.

Key considerations

  • ISPs Engagement: Establish feedback loops with ISPs to proactively address deliverability issues.
  • Delisting Time: Be patient; the Spamhaus delisting process can take time.
  • Authentication Protocols: Implement robust authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) to improve deliverability.
  • Bounce Analysis: Carefully analyze bounce messages to pinpoint harmful campaigns/practices.
  • Evidence Preparation: When requesting delisting, provide comprehensive evidence of improved practices.

What email marketers say
12Marketer opinions

To get delisted from Spamhaus, it's crucial to identify and rectify the root cause of the listing, as Spamhaus requires complete cessation of the spam activity. This involves analyzing bounce messages and abuse reports to pinpoint problematic campaigns and sending practices. Improving list hygiene by removing inactive subscribers, promptly handling bounces and complaints, and implementing double opt-in are essential. Post-delisting, continuous monitoring of sending reputation and deliverability rates using tools like Google Postmaster Tools is necessary. Establishing feedback loops with ISPs aids in proactive identification and resolution of deliverability issues. To prevent future listings, robust authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), list segmentation, and personalized content are recommended. Employing suppression lists to exclude complainers and invalid addresses is important. The delisting process requires patience and persistence while demonstrating responsible sending practices. Testing emails with tools like Mail-Tester before sending and regularly checking IP and domain reputation helps in identifying potential issues.

Key opinions

  • Address Root Cause: Spamhaus requires a complete stop to the activity that caused the listing; identifying and resolving the root cause is paramount.
  • List Hygiene: Improving list hygiene through removing inactive subscribers and managing bounces/complaints is critical.
  • Continuous Monitoring: After delisting, ongoing monitoring of sending reputation and deliverability rates is necessary to prevent relisting.
  • Authentication: Implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC helps prevent future listings by authenticating your email sources.
  • Suppression Lists: Using suppression lists to exclude complainers and invalid addresses is a fundamental practice.

Key considerations

  • Patience Required: The delisting process can be lengthy, and Spamhaus may not respond immediately; persistence is essential.
  • Feedback Loops: Establishing feedback loops with ISPs helps in identifying and addressing deliverability issues proactively.
  • Testing Emails: Testing emails before sending can identify potential issues that trigger spam filters.
  • Reputation Monitoring: Regularly check your IP and domain reputation to identify potential blacklistings.
  • Sending Practices: Review and improve sending practices by implementing double opt-in.
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks explains that Spamhaus listings generally lay out directly why you got listed, specifying which email and what about the email is the problem.

February 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Deliverability Blog suggests to test your emails using tools like Mail-Tester before sending them to your entire list. This can help identify any potential issues with your email content or configuration that may trigger spam filters.

September 2021 - Email Deliverability Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit shares that after delisting, closely monitor your sending reputation and deliverability rates. Use tools like Google Postmaster Tools and Sender Score to track your performance and identify any recurring issues.

October 2024 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum responds that you should regularly check your IP and domain reputation using online tools to identify any potential blacklistings or reputation issues before they impact your deliverability.

January 2024 - Email Marketing Forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailDeliverability Blog shares that to avoid future listings, implement robust authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), segment your email lists based on engagement, and personalize your email content to increase relevance.

March 2023 - EmailDeliverability Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailGeeks Forum responds that improving list hygiene is critical. This involves removing inactive subscribers, handling bounces and complaints promptly, and implementing a double opt-in process for new subscribers.

June 2024 - EmailGeeks Forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Marketing Tips Blog responds that establishing a feedback loop with major ISPs can help you identify and address deliverability issues proactively. This allows you to receive direct feedback about complaints and spam reports.

October 2024 - Email Marketing Tips Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackExchange shares that you should carefully analyze the bounce messages and abuse reports you receive to pinpoint the specific campaigns or sending practices that led to the Spamhaus listing. This includes examining the content, sending volume, and recipient engagement.

October 2024 - StackExchange
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that trying to identify bad domains isn't the way to be delisted and that you get delisted by fixing the spamming problem, focusing on the root cause.

April 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that Spamhaus won't de-list a domain or IP until it 100% stops being associated with the spam they see coming from it. There is no compromise. Also suggests the user stop sending on behalf of the client.

December 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Marketing Software Review Site shares that using suppression lists is important to exclude known complainers, unsubscribed users, and invalid email addresses from your mailings.

April 2021 - Email Marketing Software Review Site
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailchimp Community explains that the delisting process can take time, and Spamhaus may not respond immediately. Be patient and persistent, and continue to demonstrate your commitment to responsible sending practices.

May 2024 - Mailchimp Community

What the experts say
4Expert opinions

To get delisted from Spamhaus, identifying the specific reason for the listing is critical, as listings can result from spam traps, high complaint rates, and poor list hygiene. For PBL listings, ensure your IP isn't directly sending emails and instead use an authenticated outbound mail relay service. Reviewing sending practices, implementing double opt-in, cleaning lists, and monitoring sending reputation with tools like Google Postmaster Tools is important. If listed on the XBL, securing systems, scanning for malware, and closing open relays is necessary to prevent abuse and facilitate delisting.

Key opinions

  • Identify Listing Cause: Spamhaus listings stem from spam traps, high complaint rates, or poor list hygiene, requiring pinpointing the specific reason.
  • PBL Compliance: For PBL listings, IPs should not directly send emails; use an authenticated outbound mail relay service.
  • Sending Practice Review: Thoroughly review sending practices, implement double opt-in, clean lists, and monitor sending reputation.
  • XBL Security: XBL listings require securing systems, scanning for malware, and closing open relays.

Key considerations

  • Bounce Messages/Feedback Loops: Examine bounce messages and feedback loops to identify specific causes of listings.
  • Google Postmaster Tools: Use Google Postmaster Tools to monitor sending reputation after implementing changes.
  • Outbound Relay Service: If on the PBL, ensure you are using a reputable outbound mail relay service.
  • Malware Scans: Regularly scan your systems for malware, especially when dealing with XBL listings.
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource shares that to get delisted, thoroughly review your sending practices. Implement double opt-in, clean your lists regularly, and monitor your sending reputation using tools like Google Postmaster Tools.

January 2024 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise responds that Spamhaus XBL listings often indicate compromised machines or open relays. Secure your systems, scan for malware, and close any open relays to prevent further abuse and facilitate delisting.

June 2021 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource explains that if listed on the PBL, ensure your IP isn't directly sending emails. Instead, use an authenticated outbound mail relay service to send emails. This clarifies the Spamhaus PBL policy.

May 2023 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that Spamhaus listings can result from various issues, including spam traps, high complaint rates, and poor list hygiene. They suggest identifying the specific cause by examining bounce messages and feedback loops.

February 2022 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says
5Technical articles

To get delisted from Spamhaus, you must first identify and rectify the cause of the listing, ensuring the spam source is completely stopped. Review sending practices, list hygiene, and server security. Once issues are resolved, request delisting through their website with detailed information and evidence of improved practices. Understanding the specific Spamhaus listing type (SBL, PBL, XBL) is crucial, as each has unique criteria and procedures. If listed on the PBL, avoid direct email sending from your IP and use an authenticated outbound mail relay service. Use the Spamhaus DNSBL lookup tool to check listing status.

Key findings

  • Rectify Cause: The spam source must be completely stopped and the cause of the listing identified and rectified.
  • Listing Type Matters: Each Spamhaus listing type (SBL, PBL, XBL) has specific criteria and delisting procedures.
  • PBL Action: PBL listings mean direct email sending from your IP is inappropriate; use an outbound mail relay service.
  • Request Delisting: Delisting requests require detailed information about resolutions and evidence of improved practices.
  • Lookup Tool: The Spamhaus DNSBL lookup tool helps check listing status.

Key considerations

  • Evidence: Gather comprehensive evidence of improved sending practices before requesting delisting.
  • PBL Relay: Ensure your outbound mail relay service is properly authenticated if previously PBL listed.
  • Review Security: Routinely review and enhance your server security to prevent relisting.
  • Check Regularly: Regularly use the DNSBL lookup tool to monitor your listing status.
  • Thorough Review: Thoroughly review all areas of sending practices to avoid relisting
Technical article

Documentation from Spamhaus.org explains if you're listed on the PBL (Policy Block List), it often means your IP address should not be sending email directly. You should use an authenticated outbound mail relay service for sending emails.

June 2023 - Spamhaus.org
Technical article

Documentation from Spamhaus.org explains that understanding the specific type of Spamhaus listing (e.g., SBL, PBL, XBL) is crucial. Each listing has its own criteria and delisting procedures, so identify which list you are on and follow the appropriate steps.

October 2021 - Spamhaus.org
Technical article

Documentation from Spamhaus.org explains that once the issues are resolved, you can request delisting through their website. Provide detailed information about the steps taken to address the problem and evidence of your improved practices.

October 2022 - Spamhaus.org
Technical article

Documentation from Spamhaus.org explains that to be delisted, you must identify and rectify the cause of the listing, ensuring the spam source is completely stopped. They advise thoroughly reviewing your sending practices, list hygiene, and server security.

March 2021 - Spamhaus.org
Technical article

Documentation from Spamhaus.org provides a DNSBL lookup tool to check if your IP or domain is listed on any Spamhaus blocklists. This tool helps to quickly identify listing status.

January 2023 - Spamhaus.org