The Spamhaus Policy Blocklist (PBL) is an IP blacklist (or blocklist) that contains end-user IP address ranges which, according to network policy, should not be sending unauthenticated email directly to internet mail servers.
The Spamhaus Policy Blocklist (PBL) is a real-time database of IP address ranges that, according to policy, should not be sending email directly to other mail servers. It is not a traditional spam blacklist because it does not list IPs based on sending spam. Instead, the core policy is that emails from these IP addresses must be routed through an authenticated SMTP server, such as one provided by an ISP or a professional email service.
The PBL primarily contains end-user IP ranges, which includes both dynamic and static IPs. Networks use this blocklist to enforce their acceptable use policies. Technically, the data is mostly IPv4-based, but it does include IPv6 ranges, with many listings presented in CIDR format. It is important to remember that an IP on this blacklist (or blocklist) is not necessarily 'bad'; it is simply an IP address that should not be acting as a mail server.
The Spamhaus Policy Blocklist (PBL) is operated and maintained by Spamhaus Project. Founded by Steve Linford in 1998, Spamhaus is a non-profit organization that has become a global authority on IP and domain reputation. Its mission is to improve internet trust and safety. A global team of researchers and analysts contributes to Spamhaus's intelligence on internet identifiers linked to spam, phishing, malware, and other malicious activities.
The project originally focused on a DNS Blocklist (DNSBL) for tracking spam-sending IPs. It has since expanded to provide a range of free datasets that protect billions of users. Spamhaus collaborates with the wider internet community, helping organizations manage service abuse and working with law enforcement to create a safer internet.
Since IPs on the PBL are not listed for misbehavior, the removal process is quite simple. If you run a mail server and believe your IP address is incorrectly on this blocklist, you can request removal. Spamhaus provides a self-service tool for this purpose.
To begin the delisting process, you must visit the official Spamhaus IP and Domain Reputation Checker. This is the only place where PBL removals are processed. You will need to enter your IP address and follow the on-screen steps. Based on the policy of the network that owns the IP range, end-users may be able to exclude their specific IP address from the PBL. You can find the checker and removal tool here.
The impact of being listed on the Spamhaus Policy Blocklist (PBL) is high. Even though the list does not mean your IP is a source of spam, it is used extensively by mail administrators globally to filter inbound email. Consequently, any email sent directly from an IP address on the PBL will likely be rejected by a significant number of mail servers.
If your mail server's IP is on this blacklist, your emails will fail to reach any recipient whose email provider uses the PBL. To restore email delivery, you must send your emails through a properly configured, authenticated SMTP mail server that is not on the PBL, which is the standard configuration for all legitimate mail.
Organization
Zone
Type
Impact
Delisting
Organization
Zone
Type
Impact
Delisting
Organization
Zone
Type
Impact
Delisting
Organization
Zone
Type
Impact
Delisting
Organization
Zone
Type
Impact
Delisting
19 resources
Besides Spamhaus, what blocklists are important for email marketers to monitor?
How to remove IP address from Spamhaus PBL list?
What is Spamhaus HBL and how does it work?
What is the PSBL (Passive Spam Block List) and how does it work?
What should I do if Spamhaus blocklists my agency's IPs and domain?
Why was my network unexpectedly listed on Spamhaus PBL and how can I resolve it?