SEM Fresh

Overview

SEM Fresh is a set of automated, time-based blocklists operated by Spam Eating Monkey (SEM). Unlike reputation-based lists that track long-term sending behavior, SEM Fresh focuses on recency signals such as newly registered domains and recent spam-like activity.

SEM Fresh includes multiple lists targeting different time windows: SEM-FRESHZERO (24 hours), SEM-FRESH (5 days), SEM-FRESH10 (10 days), SEM-FRESH15 (15 days), and SEM-FRESH30 (30 days). These lists flag domains that have been recently registered, as younger domains are more likely to be abusive.

Impacts

This listing occurs at the domain level (and can also affect IPs). Being listed on SEM Fresh can cause some mail servers to temporarily delay, reject, or route your email to spam until the listing expires and the triggering activity stops.

The impact is generally considered low, as Google and Microsoft use their own filters rather than relying on SEM Fresh. However, it can still affect deliverability to certain recipients, especially if combined with other negative signals.

Mitigation Process

To better understand the potential problems that caused the listing, visit the SEM Fresh service page or use the SEM Lookup tool to check your domain status. Once you have reviewed, you should then:

1. Find and correct the root cause if the listing is not solely due to domain age (e.g., compromised mailbox, API key, or script sending unexpected mail; hitting spam traps; backscatter issues).
2. Wait for automatic expiration. Unlike other blacklists, SEM Fresh generally does not offer manual delisting. Removal happens automatically after the list's expiration rules are satisfied and the triggering activity stops:
   • SEM-FRESHZERO: Automatically removed after 24 hours
   • SEM-FRESH: Automatically removed after 5 days
   • SEM-FRESH10: Automatically removed after 10 days
   • SEM-FRESH15: Automatically removed after 15 days
   • SEM-FRESH30: Automatically removed after 30 days

Important: If your domain is listed solely due to being newly registered, no action is required other than waiting. The listing is a temporary precautionary measure, not a punishment for bad behavior. Focus on building a positive sending reputation over time. If the listing is due to other factors (spam traps, backscatter), you must resolve those issues before the automatic expiration will take effect.