Boardburner2:
Sounds like you are in the UK.The 100 gram rule.
Black powder is a special case , if you make it you have aquired it and an aquire licence is required.
The law was recently changed so that a BP licence can be had as pyrotechnic use is now a valid reason to apply for one.
Other restrictions apply.
Best place to look is the UKPS who were instrumental in having the law changed.
Correct! Scotland to be specific.
I'm ahead of you there actually. I have been to UKPS and posted on their forums asking a few questions. It seems that I'm basically fine to work with things other than black powder though may need an explosives certificate. However, I don't think at this stage I'll need anything because I've decided just to make automated igniters without any target explosives. So just some buttons that trigger ematches. Then maybe I'll try firing some confetti cannons or something. I don't have any reason to use black powder specifically. I might get hold of some of the special prime coating used with ematches or try to make my own, but again there shouldn't be any issue as this still just creates a short flame burst for lighting fuses.