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What is Spamhaus PBL and is it a bad listing?

The **Spamhaus PBL** (Policy Blocklist) is fundamentally different from other blocklists - it's not a list of "bad" senders. It's a list of IP addresses that should not be sending email directly to mail servers across the internet. Being on the **PBL** doesn't mean you're a spammer; it means your IP is classified as an end-user connection rather than a mail server.

What **PBL** lists:

  • Dynamic IP ranges: Residential and business connections assigned by ISPs
  • Non-**MTA** ranges: IPs designated by network operators as not for mail server use
  • Policy-based entries: Ranges where the network operator has stated direct email sending violates their acceptable use policy

Why **PBL** exists:

  • Legitimate home and office users send mail through their **ISP**'s mail servers, not directly
  • Machines sending directly from consumer IPs are usually infected or misconfigured
  • **ISP** acceptable use policies typically prohibit running mail servers on consumer connections

Is a **PBL** listing bad? Not inherently. If you're:

  • A home user: Normal - send through your **ISP**'s servers or a legitimate **ESP**
  • A small business on residential internet: Expected - use **Google Workspace**, **Microsoft 365**, or similar
  • A company with static IPs for mail servers: May need to request removal

How to check: Visit check.spamhaus.org/pbl

Removal process (if legitimately running a mail server):

  1. Visit the **PBL** lookup page
  2. Verify you have a static IP and legitimate mail server
  3. Confirm your **ISP** allows mail server operation
  4. Submit a removal request demonstrating you operate a legitimate **MTA**
  5. **Spamhaus** will remove your IP from **PBL**

Common misunderstandings:

  • **PBL** is not punitive - it's descriptive of IP purpose
  • Removal won't fix delivery if you're also on **SBL** or **XBL**
  • Network operators add their own ranges; **Spamhaus** maintains the list collaboratively
  • Re-listing may occur if your **ISP** re-adds the range or your IP changes

**PBL** isn't saying you're a criminal - it's saying your vessel isn't registered as a commercial freighter. You can still send cargo, just route it through a proper shipping company rather than sailing straight into the harbor yourself.

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