SpamAssassin rule
RCVD_IN_SBL
Sending IP is on the Spamhaus SBL
+2.596 points
Header test
What RCVD_IN_SBL means
The sending server's IP is listed in the Spamhaus Block List of known spam sources.
The rule's description in SpamAssassin: “Received via a relay in Spamhaus SBL”
How to fix it
Find out why on spamhaus.org (look up the IP), fix the cause (compromised account, purchased lists) and request delisting. If you use a shared email service, contact its support.
With 2.596 points this rule alone uses more than a third of the 5.0-point spam threshold, so fixing it matters.
Does your email trigger RCVD_IN_SBL?
Send it to a free test address: we run SpamAssassin, check SPF, DKIM and DMARC and show every rule with a fix.
Open the email spam checkerRelated rules
RCVD_IN_BL_SPAMCOP_NETSending IP is on the SpamCop list
RCVD_IN_DNSWL_HISender is on the DNSWL allowlist (high trust)
RCVD_IN_DNSWL_LOWSender is on the DNSWL allowlist
RCVD_IN_DNSWL_MEDSender is on the DNSWL allowlist (medium trust)
RCVD_IN_MSPIKE_BLSending IP has a bad Mailspike reputation
RCVD_IN_PBLSending IP is on the Spamhaus PBL
RCVD_IN_PSBLSending IP is on the PSBL
RCVD_IN_SBL_CSSSending IP is on the Spamhaus CSS list
RCVD_IN_XBLSending IP is on the Spamhaus XBL
Frequently asked questions
What does RCVD_IN_SBL mean?
The sending server's IP is listed in the Spamhaus Block List of known spam sources.
How do I fix RCVD_IN_SBL?
Find out why on spamhaus.org (look up the IP), fix the cause (compromised account, purchased lists) and request delisting. If you use a shared email service, contact its support.
How many points does RCVD_IN_SBL add?
2.596 points in the default SpamAssassin ruleset (network tests on, Bayes off). A message is treated as spam from 5.0 points. Mail servers can change scores locally.