Why is Spamhaus blocking my RBL queries and how do I fix it?

Summary

Spamhaus blocks RBL queries for various reasons, including excessive querying, open resolvers, generic rDNS, OVHcloud usage, and association with spam or malicious activity. Solutions involve using the Data Query Service (DQS), ensuring non-generic rDNS, preventing spam origination, utilizing static IPs, implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, monitoring IP reputation, using caching, following best practices, and addressing underlying issues leading to blacklisting. Shared IP users should consider dedicated IPs or reputable ESPs. Understanding Spamhaus's specific lists (SBL, ZEN) is crucial.

Key findings

  • Excessive Querying: Excessive RBL querying without caching or respecting TTL can cause blocking; use DQS for high-volume lookups.
  • Open Resolvers & rDNS: Using open resolvers or having generic rDNS can lead to blocking; ensure valid, non-generic rDNS.
  • OVHcloud Usage: If querying via OVHcloud's DNS, migrate to the free DQS.
  • Spam Origination: Being blocked often indicates spam origination; identify and stop the source.
  • Dynamic IPs: Spamhaus often blocks dynamic/residential IPs; use static IPs.
  • Shared IP Issues: Shared IP reputation is affected by other users; consider a dedicated IP or ESP.
  • Authentication Protocols: Lack of SPF, DKIM, DMARC increases blacklisting risk; implement these.
  • Spamhaus Lists: Being on SBL or ZEN indicates spam or malicious activity; address the cause.

Key considerations

  • Caching: Implement caching to reduce RBL query frequency.
  • Identify the Cause: Determine the specific reason for the blocking/listing.
  • Take Corrective Action: Clean compromised servers, secure accounts, and stop spamming activity.
  • Monitor Reputation: Use Sender Score or similar tools to monitor your IP reputation.
  • Follow Delisting Process: Understand and follow Spamhaus's delisting process after fixing the issue.
  • Best Practices: Adhere to email sending best practices (clean lists, consent, relevant content).

What email marketers say
12Marketer opinions

Spamhaus blocks RBL queries for various reasons, including excessive querying, using open resolvers, generic rDNS, or being associated with OVHcloud's DNS. Resolving this involves switching to Spamhaus's Data Query Service (DQS), ensuring a non-generic rDNS, stopping spam origination (if any), using static IPs (avoiding dynamic ones), implementing proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), monitoring IP reputation (Sender Score), and adhering to email sending best practices (clean lists, consent). Shared IP users might consider a dedicated IP or reputable ESP.

Key opinions

  • Query Limits: Exceeding query limits or using open resolvers can lead to blocking; consider using DQS.
  • rDNS Issues: Generic rDNS can cause blocking; ensure a non-generic rDNS record.
  • OVHcloud Specifics: If using OVHcloud, migrate to the free DQS.
  • Spam Source: Being blocked often signals spam origination; identify and stop the source.
  • IP Type: Dynamic or residential IPs are often blocked; use static IPs.
  • Shared IP Risks: Shared IPs can be affected by other users' actions; consider a dedicated IP.
  • Authentication: Lack of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC increases blacklisting risk; implement these protocols.

Key considerations

  • Identify Cause: Determine the specific reason for the Spamhaus listing to take targeted action.
  • Clean Server: If compromised, thoroughly clean and secure the server.
  • Monitor Reputation: Regularly check your Sender Score or similar metrics to proactively address issues.
  • Follow Best Practices: Adhere to email sending best practices to maintain a good sender reputation.
  • Delisting Process: Understand and follow Spamhaus's delisting process after addressing the cause.
Marketer view

Email marketer from DigitalOcean explains that ensuring proper DNS records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is crucial for email deliverability and avoiding blacklists. Make sure your DNS records are correctly configured and validated.

November 2023 - DigitalOcean
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares a link to Spamhaus documentation stating that if you query Spamhaus' DNSBLs via OVHcloud's DNS, you should move to the free Data Query Service (DQS).

November 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit user 'mailadmin' shares that Spamhaus often blocks dynamic IPs or residential IPs. The solution is to use a static IP address or a reputable email sending service.

April 2023 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit user 'email_expert' shares that if you are using a shared IP address, your IP reputation can be affected by other users. Consider switching to a dedicated IP or using an email service provider with good reputation management.

October 2021 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Stack Overflow user 'John' mentions that if your IP is listed on Spamhaus, you should first identify the cause (e.g., compromised server, spamming scripts). Clean your server, secure it, and then follow Spamhaus's delisting process.

October 2023 - Stack Overflow
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks explains that the user likely needs to switch to using DQS because Spamhaus is blocking queries from most open resolvers.

December 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Postmark emphasizes the importance of following best practices for email sending, including maintaining clean lists, obtaining proper consent, and sending relevant content to avoid being marked as spam.

November 2021 - Postmarkapp.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailjet explains that using a dedicated IP address gives you control over your sending reputation and helps avoid being affected by the actions of other senders on shared IPs.

November 2023 - Mailjet.com
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks suggests that the user's rDNS might be valid, but it could be considered generic per Spamhaus’ definition.

September 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from SenderScore suggests monitoring your Sender Score to understand your IP reputation and identify any potential issues that could lead to blacklisting.

June 2023 - Senderscore.org
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailOnAcid explains that implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication methods helps verify the sender's identity and prevent spoofing, reducing the chance of being blacklisted.

March 2025 - EmailOnAcid.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from MXToolbox explains that being blocked by Spamhaus RBL often results from sending spam or having a compromised server. The suggested fixes include identifying and stopping the source of spam, cleaning the server, and requesting delisting through Spamhaus's website.

January 2025 - MXToolbox

What the experts say
2Expert opinions

Spamhaus may block RBL queries due to excessive querying without proper caching, or due to underlying issues that lead to blacklisting. Solutions involve implementing caching and reducing query frequency, and understanding the blacklist's requirements and addressing issues like spam complaints or compromised accounts.

Key opinions

  • Excessive Querying: Excessive RBL querying without caching or respecting TTL can cause temporary blocking.
  • Underlying Issues: Blacklisting often stems from underlying problems such as spam complaints or compromised accounts.

Key considerations

  • Implement Caching: Cache RBL results to reduce query frequency.
  • Reduce Query Frequency: Limit the frequency of RBL queries.
  • Understand Blacklist Requirements: Check the specific blacklist's requirements for delisting.
  • Address Underlying Issues: Resolve the issues (e.g., spam complaints, compromised accounts) causing the listing.
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource (referencing Halon) explains that excessive querying of RBLs, especially without proper caching or respect for TTL values, can lead to temporary blocking. They recommend implementing caching and reducing query frequency.

July 2024 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise suggests that understanding why you're blacklisted is crucial. They recommend checking the specific blacklist's requirements for delisting and addressing the underlying issues causing the listing (e.g., spam complaints, compromised accounts).

January 2024 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says
5Technical articles

Spamhaus blocks RBL queries due to exceeding usage limits, using open resolvers, or association with malicious activities. OVHcloud users should migrate to the DQS. Spamhaus maintains lists like SBL and ZEN which identify IPs involved in spam or malware. The DQS offers a solution for high-volume lookups.

Key findings

  • Usage Limits & Resolvers: Queries can be blocked for exceeding usage limits or using open resolvers.
  • OVHcloud Requirement: OVHcloud users must migrate to the free Data Query Service (DQS).
  • SBL Listing: The SBL lists IPs involved in direct spam or malware activities; review the reason for listing.
  • ZEN Listing: ZEN combines SBL, XBL, and PBL; listing means presence on at least one.
  • Data Query Service (DQS): DQS facilitates high-volume lookups without excessive query blocking.

Key considerations

  • Check Return Codes: Check return codes to understand the reason for blocking.
  • Take Corrective Action: If listed, take corrective action based on the listing reason.
  • Consider DQS: Use DQS for high-volume DNSBL lookups.
Technical article

Documentation from Spamhaus specifies that if you query Spamhaus projects' DNSBLs via OVHcloud's DNS, you need to migrate to the free Data Query Service (DQS) due to changes in how OVHCloud's IP space is handled.

August 2021 - Spamhaus.org
Technical article

Documentation from Spamhaus explains that the SBL lists IP addresses involved in direct spam operations, malware distribution, or other malicious activities. If listed, you should review Spamhaus's reason for listing and take corrective action.

November 2021 - Spamhaus.org
Technical article

Documentation from Spamhaus explains that queries can be blocked due to exceeding usage limits or using open resolvers. They recommend checking return codes and considering the Data Query Service (DQS) for high-volume lookups.

August 2022 - Spamhaus.org
Technical article

Documentation from Spamhaus explains that the ZEN list is a combined blacklist consisting of the SBL, Exploits Block List (XBL), and Policy Block List (PBL). Being listed on ZEN means you are listed on at least one of these lists.

February 2023 - Spamhaus.org
Technical article

Documentation from Spamhaus describes the Data Query Service (DQS) as a way to perform high-volume DNSBL lookups without being blocked for excessive queries, suitable for legitimate commercial uses.

September 2021 - Spamhaus.org