RBL is a dynamic, real-time list of IP addresses that are active spammers (intentional actions) or accidental sources of spam. A blacklist based on domain names is called a DNSBL (Domain Name System Blacklist).
The vast majority of email service providers check the presence of domains and IP addresses on such lists and, if noted, reject the message at the server level or accept it, while marking it as SPAM. Administrators of receiving servers use RBLs for spam filtering to be checked during message delivery and set their own rules based on which the message is rejected or the opposite- whitelisting i.e. marking the sender as trusted and delivering the message.
The primary purpose of Blacklists is to stop a huge amount of unsolicited correspondence, which otherwise would get to our mailboxes, that is fighting spam.
Spam is simply unwanted messages. Many people define that way all emails which are not important to them – even newsletters, although such emails are usually sent to us correctly (we agreed to subscribe). Spam is usually messages that we do not expect and that was sent without our prior consent. It also includes potentially harmful emails – e.g. those that may trigger to perform a specific action (going to a false website or making a transfer) at the same time deceptively resembling a trusted sender (phishing) or containing e.g. malicious software.
Many vendors have their internal IP block Blacklists, but the most commonly used are publicly available lists prepared by companies specializing in this. Below are examples of some of the most popular ones:
Check to see if your domain or IP address is on one of the above or other known lists via the Mailchecker.net tool.
First of all, check which RBL the listing applies to. Many senders are present on various lists, but in the case of smaller ones, this should not have a major impact on deliverability – they are usually not verified by global ISPs. A listing may be temporary and our IP address may disappear from such a list after some time. However, if your IP has been added to one of the larger, aforementioned global lists, you should first determine the cause, then eliminate it, and finally, contact the lists’ support and submit a request for de-listing.
If you are using a third-party tool or cloud servers like EmailLabs™ – contact the Support Team who can help you check your presence on blacklists and remove you from those that allow it.
Many RBL IP lists provide a dedicated form on their site, others require you to send an email and justify why you should no longer be listed. Some lists will only accept your removal request after you make payment. There are also unreliable lists that do not allow any contact to remove entries.
Removal IP blocks from a blacklist usually takes several hours. However, bear in mind that if you re-enter an RBL list, the delisting process may not be as easy as the first time and may even result in your application being rejected.
Your IP address or domain name have been blocked and now is on the BlackList? First of all, don’t panic! It doesn’t mean you’ve ruined your chances of good deliverability. Verify what was the reason for the listing and try to correct it. For most RBLs, this is a reversible process. However, make sure you don’t end up on it (again).
Use a service like EmailLabs™ that provides a wealth of information about your mailings through an easy-to-use analytics dashboard. If you have any questions, please contact our Support Team.
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