Summary
The Spamhaus PBL (Policy Block List) identifies IP addresses not intended for direct email sending, typically dynamic or residential IPs. Removal involves contacting your ISP or hosting provider to update Spamhaus records, confirming the IP is authorized. Key steps include understanding the PBL's purpose, ensuring correct reverse DNS (rDNS) configuration, considering a dedicated IP, practicing good email list hygiene, and gradually warming up new IPs. Checking other blacklists is also recommended. Some hosting providers might prefer you use their SMTP gateway.
Key findings
- Contact Provider: Contacting your ISP or hosting provider is the primary step for PBL removal.
- PBL Purpose: The PBL lists IPs not expected to send email directly, often dynamic or residential IPs.
- Provider Updates: Providers need to update their Spamhaus records to authorize the IP for email sending.
- rDNS Configuration: Correctly configured reverse DNS (rDNS) is crucial for establishing legitimacy.
- Dedicated IP Advantage: A dedicated IP provides more control over sending reputation.
- Email Hygiene Importance: Good email list hygiene is vital to prevent future PBL listings.
- IP Warming Technique: Gradually warming up new IPs helps build a positive reputation.
- Check other blacklists: Check other blacklist databases for a holistic view of IP reputation.
Key considerations
- SMTP Gateway: Check if the hosting company requires using their SMTP gateway.
- Review Spamhaus FAQ: Consult the Spamhaus FAQ for self-removal criteria.
What email marketers say
6 marketer opinions
To remove an IP address from the Spamhaus PBL, the primary action is to contact your ISP or hosting provider, as the listing often indicates the IP range isn't intended for direct email sending. Other suggested actions are to make sure you use a dedicated IP, practice good email list hygiene and gradual IP warming. It's also advised to check your IPs reputation on other block lists too, not just Spamhaus.
Key opinions
- Contact ISP/Hosting: Contacting your ISP or hosting provider is crucial since they control the IP range and need to update records with Spamhaus.
- Dedicated IP: Using a dedicated IP address provides more control over your sending reputation.
- Email Hygiene: Practicing good email list hygiene helps prevent future PBL listings.
- IP Reputation: Checking your IP's reputation on multiple blacklist databases provides a comprehensive view of deliverability issues.
- IP Warming: Warming up a new IP address gradually helps build a positive reputation with ISPs.
Key considerations
- SMTP Gateway: Consider if your hosting company intends for you to use their SMTP gateway instead of sending directly.
- PBL Reason: Understand why the IP address was listed in the PBL to address the root cause.
- Blacklist Monitoring: Continuously monitor your IP address on various blacklists to proactively address deliverability issues.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum suggests using a dedicated IP address for sending emails, as it gives you more control over your sending reputation and reduces the chances of being blacklisted. They recommend warming up the IP address gradually and following email marketing best practices.
13 Mar 2023 - Email Marketing Forum
Marketer view
Email marketer from MailerMailer Blog explains that to prevent PBL listings, practice good email hygiene. This includes using double opt-in, regularly cleaning your email list, avoiding spam traps, and ensuring your sending practices comply with email marketing regulations.
12 Oct 2024 - MailerMailer Blog
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
The Spamhaus PBL (Policy Block List) lists IP addresses not expected to send email directly. Removal involves contacting your ISP or hosting provider to update their Spamhaus records, confirming the IP is authorized to send email. Direct contact with Spamhaus is generally ineffective unless initiated by the IP range owner. Understanding the PBL's purpose is critical; it's not a typical blacklist.
Key opinions
- PBL Definition: The PBL lists IPs not expected to directly send email, often dynamic or residential IPs.
- Contact Provider: Contacting your ISP or hosting provider is essential for initiating the removal process.
- Provider Action: The provider must update their records with Spamhaus to authorize the IP for email sending.
- Limited Direct Contact: Direct contact with Spamhaus is usually ineffective unless you own the IP range.
Key considerations
- PBL Purpose: Recognize the PBL is not a standard blacklist but a list of IPs with restricted sending policies.
- Review Spamhaus FAQ: Consult the Spamhaus FAQ for self-removal criteria and further guidance.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise shares that the PBL removal process usually involves contacting your ISP or hosting provider. They need to update their records with Spamhaus, confirming that the IP address is authorized to send email. Direct contact with Spamhaus might not be effective unless initiated by the IP range owner.
16 Feb 2023 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource explains that understanding the PBL is key; it's not necessarily a blacklist but a list of IPs not expected to send email directly. If your IP is listed and should be sending email, you need to work with your ISP or hosting provider to correct the record.
3 Apr 2022 - Spam Resource
What the documentation says
3 technical articles
The Spamhaus PBL lists IP addresses not meant for direct email sending, commonly dynamic or residential IPs. Removal requires contacting your ISP or network owner to update Spamhaus records. A static IP with properly configured reverse DNS (rDNS) is crucial for legitimacy. Hetzner recommends ordering a static IP, configuring rDNS, and potentially using their mail server.
Key findings
- PBL Definition: The PBL lists IP addresses that should not be directly sending email, often dynamic or residential.
- Contact Network Owner: Removal necessitates contacting your ISP or the network owner responsible for the IP block.
- Static IP and rDNS: A static IP address with correctly configured reverse DNS (rDNS) is crucial for legitimacy and potential removal.
Key considerations
- Hetzner Recommendation: If using Hetzner, consider their recommendation to order a static IP, configure rDNS, and potentially use their mail server.
- rDNS Configuration: Ensure rDNS is correctly configured, pointing your IP to your domain name, to establish legitimacy.
Technical article
Documentation from Hetzner Documentation explains that they add IP addresses to the Spamhaus PBL if they are dynamic or home connections. They say you need to order a static IP, configure rDNS and then they will request Spamhaus to remove the IP. They also recommend using their mailserver rather than yours.
9 Oct 2021 - Hetzner Documentation
Technical article
Documentation from Spamhaus.org explains that the PBL (Policy Block List) lists IP addresses which should not be sending email directly to third-party MX servers, often dynamic or residential IPs. Removal requires contacting your ISP or the network owner responsible for the IP block. If the IP is statically assigned and should be sending email, the network owner must update the Spamhaus records.
2 Jul 2024 - Spamhaus.org
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