Getting blacklisted on Spamhaus can cause serious delivery issues with providers that use Spamhaus data (and many major email providers do). The removal process requires you to fix the problem first, then prove you fixed it.
Here’s the exact process to go for Spamhaus delisting.
Step 1: Stop sending emails immediately
The second you discover you’re listed, stop all email campaigns. Continuing to send while blacklisted makes the problem worse and delays removal.
Review your recent campaigns to identify what changed:
- New list segments
- Different email creative
- Modified sending patterns
Contact everyone in your email program (your technical team, email service provider, or account manager) about the listing.
Step 2: Check your listing status
Use the Spamhaus Lookup Tool to confirm which list you’re on and why you were added.
The tool explains why you were listed and provides enough detail to identify what needs to be fixed:
- Which blocklist has you (SBL, XBL, DBL, PBL, or CSS)
- Why were you listed in the blocklist in the first place
- Evidence or context about the listing
Write down the specific reason shown, as you’ll need this for the removal request.
Step 3: Fix the root cause
Spamhaus won’t remove you until you fix what caused the listing. Simply requesting removal without fixing anything results in immediate relisting.
Security and technical fixes
| Issue | Solution |
| Malware/viruses | Clean all systems, update software, and use strong passwords |
| Open proxies | Close them and configure the firewall to restrict SMTP traffic |
| Reverse DNS | Set up a PTR record matching your sending IP |
| SPF/DKIM/DMARC (best practice) | Configure all three authentication records as part of your remediation |
List and send practice fixes
If you were listed for spamming activity:
- Remove hard bounces immediately
- Implement double opt-in on all signup forms
- Fix your unsubscribe process (it must work and be visible)
- Remove purchased or rented lists (only send to confirmed opt-ins)
- Clean out inactive subscribers who haven’t opened emails in 90+ days
Run a free email deliverability test to confirm your emails are landing in the inbox after making these changes.
Document everything
Write down exactly what you fixed (Spamhaus requires this for the removal request). Be specific about the changes you made, not just “we fixed the problem.”
Step 4: Request removal from the right person
Who submits the request depends on which blocklist you’re on.
For SBL (Spamhaus Block List)
Your ISP or network owner must submit the request. Spamhaus doesn’t accept removal requests from end-users for SBL listings.
For being an end-user on SBL
Contact your ISP, hosting provider, or system administrator. They’ll need to submit the request through the “Contact the SBL Team” link at the bottom of your listing page.
For DBL (Domain Block List)
Domain owners can request removal directly using an email address associated with the domain (not free email accounts like Gmail or Yahoo).
For PBL (Policy Block List)
You can self-removal a single static IP through the Spamhaus lookup tool if you run a mail server with proper DNS configuration.
Your removal request must:
- Clearly state that the problems are fixed
- Explain how you fixed them (not just that you did)
- Be concise (no essays)
Spamhaus often replies within a day or two once they approve valid requests. If you’re relisted after removal, you didn’t fix the root cause (go back to Step 3).
Frequently asked questions about Spamhaus delisting
Here are some commonly asked questions on Spamhaus delisting:
Often, within a day, once Spamhaus approves your request, but there’s no guaranteed timeframe. The actual removal happens quickly — fixing the problem is what takes time.
No. Spamhaus doesn’t accept payment for removal. You must fix the issue and submit a proper request.
Email warmup helps with general inbox placement and engagement, but cannot override listings caused by spamtrap hits, malware, or open proxies. It won’t prevent security-related listings.
You haven’t fixed the actual problem. Review your security setup, list hygiene, and authentication records again. Spamhaus escalates listings if issues persist.
