How to Get Delisted from SURBL (Spam URI Realtime Blocklists)
How to get removed from SURBL — a domain-based blocklist that checks URLs found inside email message bodies.
Removal Method
Email request to removals at surbl.org with explanation
Time to Removal
24-72 hours after request is reviewed and approved.
Auto Expiry
Some sub-lists auto-expire after extended periods of no spam activity, but manual removal is recommended.
Overview
Unlike IP-based blacklists, SURBL lists domains that appear in the body of spam messages. If your domain is on SURBL, any email containing links to your domain may be blocked — even if sent from a clean IP. SURBL is widely used by SpamAssassin and enterprise spam filters.
Why You Might Be Listed
- 1Your domain appeared in URLs inside spam or phishing emails
- 2Your website was compromised and used for phishing or malware distribution
- 3A URL shortener or redirect on your domain was abused by spammers
- 4Your domain was used in a spam campaign (even by a third party)
Step-by-Step Removal
Check your domain
Visit surbl.org/surbl-analysis and enter your domain to verify the listing and see which specific SURBL sub-list you appear on (ph for phishing, mw for malware, etc.).
Identify and stop the abuse
If your site was compromised, remove all malicious content, phishing pages, and malware. If spammers are using your domain in their messages, secure your DNS and consider adding a DMARC reject policy.
Submit a removal request
Email removals at surbl.org with your domain, an explanation of what happened, and what you have done to fix it. Include evidence that the malicious content has been removed.
Prevent future listings
Keep your website software updated, implement strong DMARC policies, and monitor for unauthorized use of your domain in spam campaigns.
Official Removal Portal
https://surbl.org/surbl-analysisImportant Tips
- ●SURBL is domain-based, not IP-based. Changing your sending IP will NOT help if your domain is listed.
- ●If your domain was listed due to a compromised website, a full security audit is essential before requesting removal.
- ●SURBL listings can affect email deliverability even when you are not the one sending the spam — attackers can include your domain in their messages.
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