What is Suomispam Blacklist (BL)?
The Suomispam Blacklist (BL) is a DNS-based blocklist (DNSBL) that focuses on identifying sources of spam that are either in the Finnish language or otherwise related to Finland. It operates with the zone name bl.suomispam.net. The project exists to fill a gap left by larger, global blacklists which do not have detailed coverage for smaller countries and specific linguistic areas.
The policy of this blacklist is to list resources based on unsolicited bulk email (UBE), which they define as spam. A key point is that the legality of the email in the sender's country is not the deciding factor. Suomispam operates as a private reputation service, providing its opinion on sender reputation much like a restaurant review service.
Listings are considered on a case-by-case basis. They assess the type of sending host; a shared server with legitimate traffic is treated with more patience than a server that appears to be solely for spam. However, persistent spamming will lead to a listing. This blocklist also includes:
- Operators with a known history of supporting spam.
- Entire networks that are significant sources of spam or appear to be snowshoe ranges.
- Spam support services, such as certain hosting providers or email list vendors.
- Spam targets, including sites and redirectors that are advertised in spam messages.
Who runs Suomispam Blacklist (BL)?
The Suomispam Blacklist (BL) is run by Suomispam, a private organization dedicated to providing a spam reputation service. It's important to understand that Suomispam itself does not block emails. Instead, it publishes its findings and data, which mail server operators and administrators can then choose to use to filter incoming email. They provide the information, and the user of the blocklist decides whether to act on it.
How do I get removed and delisted from Suomispam Blacklist (BL)?
The delisting process for the Suomispam blacklist is based on trust and verification. An IP address or domain can be removed once Suomispam is convinced the underlying problem has been solved. For less severe cases, a credible notification from the operator about fixing the issue is enough. For more serious spam issues, proof that the spam has stopped is required. There is no public, automated delisting form.
Before requesting removal, you should ensure you have done the following:
- Identify what is listed. Any delisting request is pointless unless you specify the exact IP address or domain on the blocklist.
- Fix the root cause. Simply stating the problem is fixed is often not enough. You need to be specific about what you fixed. Note that SPF or DMARC records are unrelated to their listings.
- Understand whitelisting is not an option. Suomispam does not offer a whitelist. If you are part of a larger network range that is listed (often indicated with a wildcard '*'), you must work with your hosting provider to resolve the issue.
- Verify the listing source. Some third-party tools incorrectly report a listing due to shared hosting. Confirm directly with Suomispam's resources that your specific domain or IP is listed.
- Be patient. Delisting is not always immediate. Old listings are reviewed periodically, but the cycle can be several months long unless new information triggers a faster review. Building trust is essential for a quicker resolution.
What's the impact of being listed on Suomispam Blacklist (BL)?
The impact of being listed on the Suomispam Blacklist (BL) is generally considered low for most senders. This is because it is a highly specialized blocklist with a narrow focus.
Its primary influence is on emails sent to Finnish recipients, as the blacklist is most likely to be used by internet service providers and companies within Finland. If your target audience is outside of this region, the direct impact on your deliverability will be minimal. However, being on any blacklist (or blocklist) is a negative mark on your sending reputation and should be addressed to maintain good email hygiene.
Other Suomispam blocklists