Tantech (TANH) 20-F 29 Apr 16 2015 FY Annual report (foreign) Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015shares
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	20-F
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	TANTECH HOLDINGS LTD
Entity Central Index Key	1,588,084
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	TANH
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	21,600,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets ¥ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 6,273,389	$ 415,275
Restricted cash	0	3,583,800
Accounts receivable, net	40,484,871	43,567,769
Inventories, net	1,097,048	1,339,302
Advances to suppliers, net	15,597,108	10,634,280
Other receivables, net	230,834	68,778
Deferred tax assets	0	140,226
Total current assets	63,683,250	59,749,430
Property, plant and equipment, net	11,118,635	12,802,932
Other Assets
Deferred tax assets	0	26,109
Intangible assets, net	2,102,507	2,422,421
Deposit for asset acquisiton	2,465,600	3,707,702
Deposit for business acquisition	7,705,000	0
Total Assets	87,074,992	78,708,594
Current Liabilities
Short-term bank loans	8,444,680	2,117,700
Bankers acceptance notes payable	0	7,167,600
Accounts payable	3,072,368	3,741,193
Customer deposits	606,029	562,995
Taxes payable	804,270	2,272,106
Accrued liabilities and other payable	1,058,160	370,211
Total current liabilities	13,985,507	16,231,805
Equity
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 21,600,000 and 20,000,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31,2015 and 2014	21,600	20,000
Additional paid-in capital	15,134,752	9,473,230
Statutory reserves	6,401,235	5,377,637
Retained earnings	48,350,456	40,935,229
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(262,900)	3,515,420
Total Stockholders' Equity	69,645,143	59,321,516
Noncontrolling interest	3,444,342	3,155,273
Total Equity	73,089,485	62,476,789
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 87,074,992	$ 78,708,594

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	21,600,000	20,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	21,600,000	20,000,000

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues	$ 58,829,900	$ 65,493,106
Cost of revenues	41,947,684	44,852,994
Gross Profit	16,882,216	20,640,112
Operating expenses
Selling expenses	859,200	1,081,446
General and administrative expenses	4,723,707	1,639,288
Research and development expenses	1,084,867	745,636
Total operating expenses	6,667,774	3,466,370
Income from operations	10,214,442	17,173,742
Other income (expenses)
Interest income	82,712	162,378
Interest expense	(412,358)	(547,584)
Government subsidy income	326,018	62,137
Other income, net	1,093,654	720,700
Total other income	1,090,026	397,631
Income before income taxes	11,304,468	17,571,373
Provision for income taxes	2,377,715	2,854,489
Net income	8,926,753	14,716,884
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(487,928)	(735,844)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	8,438,825	13,981,040
Net income	8,926,753	14,716,884
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation losses	(3,977,179)	(184,951)
Comprehensive income	4,949,574	14,531,933
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(289,069)	(726,596)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$ 4,660,505	$ 13,805,337
Earnings Per share -Basic and Diluted	$ 0.40	$ 0.33
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic and diluted	21,240,548	41,890,411

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - USD ($)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Statutory Reserve Member [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 47,944,856	$ 50,000	$ 9,443,230	$ 3,691,123	$ 4,001,647	$ 28,330,179	$ 2,428,677
Balance (In Shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		50,000,000
Repurchase and cancellation of 30,000,000 shares	0	$ (30,000)	30,000	0	0	0	0
Repurchase and cancellation of 30,000,000 shares (In Shares)		(30,000,000)
Appropriation of retained earnings to statutory reserve fund	0	$ 0	0	0	1,375,990	(1,375,990)	0
Foreign currency translation losses	(184,951)	0	0	(175,703)	0	0	(9,248)
Net income for the year	14,716,884	0	0	0	0	13,981,040	735,844
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	62,476,789	$ 20,000	9,473,230	3,515,420	5,377,637	40,935,229	3,155,273
Balance (In Shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		20,000,000
Issuance of ordinary shares, net of issuance costs of $736,878	5,663,122	$ 1,600	5,661,522	0	0	0	0
Issuance of ordinary shares, net of issuance costs of $736,878 (in shares)		1,600,000
Issuance of ordinary shares under service agreements	17,028,000	$ 1,200	17,026,800	0	0	0	0
Issuance of ordinary shares under service agreements (in shares)		1,200,000
Cancellation of ordinary shares upon termination of service agreements	(17,028,000)	$ (1,200)	(17,026,800)	0	0	0	0
Cancellation of ordinary shares upon termination of service agreements (in shares)		(1,200,000)
Appropriation of retained earnings to statutory reserve fund	0	$ 0	0	0	1,023,598	(1,023,598)	0
Foreign currency translation losses	(3,977,179)	0	0	(3,778,320)	0	0	(198,859)
Net income for the year	8,926,753	0	0	0	0	8,438,825	487,928
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 73,089,485	$ 21,600	$ 15,134,752	$ (262,900)	$ 6,401,235	$ 48,350,456	$ 3,444,342
Balance (In Shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		21,600,000

Consolidated Statements of Cha6

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Payments of Stock Issuance Costs	$ 736,878

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 8,926,753	$ 14,716,884
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Changes in allowances - accounts receivable	972,642	(1,343,977)
Changes in allowances - advance to suppliers	(8,547)	194,705
Changes in allowances - loan to third parties	0	(27,689)
Changes in inventory reserve	156,775	(43,450)
Depreciation expense	1,244,154	1,290,857
Deferred income tax provision	163,987	329,588
Amortization of intangible asset	197,026	216,086
Loss from disposal of property, plant and equipment	0	9,102
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(212,550)	(13,868,300)
Advances to suppliers	(5,762,321)	515,168
Inventory	20,295	42,444
Other receivables	(49,507)	50,759
Accounts payable	(486,409)	602,059
Customer deposits	76,546	(638,556)
Taxes payable	(1,516,651)	431,467
Accrued liabilities and other payables	728,339	(16,785)
Net cash provided by operating activities	4,450,532	2,460,362
Cash flows from investing activities
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(242,552)	(1,594,404)
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment	32,940	9,767
Loans to third parties	0	1,753,248
Changes in deposit for asset acquisiton	1,085,752	364,552
Deposit for business acquisiton	(8,030,000)	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(7,153,860)	533,163
Cash flows from financing activities
Changes in restricted cash	3,533,200	0
Repayment of loans from third party	0	(38,899)
Borrowings from Bankers acceptance notes payable	2,248,400	14,325,520
Repayments of Bankers acceptance notes payable	(9,314,800)	(14,325,520)
Borrowings from bank loans	12,012,880	2,189,526
Repayments of bank loans	(5,299,800)	(6,259,276)
Repayments of loans from related parties	0	(119,436)
Net proceeds from stock issurance	5,663,122	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	8,843,002	(4,228,085)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(281,560)	(9,224)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	5,858,114	(1,243,784)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	415,275	1,659,059
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	6,273,389	415,275
Supplemental disclosure information:
Income taxes paid	2,892,808	2,245,586
Interest paid	$ 411,805	$ 534,230

Organization and nature of busi

Organization and nature of business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 1 – Organization and nature of business Tantech Holdings Ltd. (“Tantech BVI”) is a holding company established under the laws of the British Virgin Islands on November 19, 2010. Tantech BVI owns 100 On December 31, 2010, USCNHK entered into an equity transfer agreement with Zhejiang Forasen Group Co., Ltd. ("Forasen Group”), in which USCNHK agreed to acquire 95 115,520,000 18.5 5 On March 20, 2013, USCNHK completed payments of RMB 115,520,000 18.5 37,635,136 6.1 For accounting purposes, the above mentioned transactions were accounted for in a manner similar to a recapitalization. Tantech BVI and its wholly-owned subsidiary USCNHK, who own 95% interest of Tantech Bamboo, were effectively controlled by the same majority shareholders of Tantech Bamboo. Therefore, Tantech BVI, USCNHK and Tantech Bamboo are all considered under common control. The consolidation of Tantech Bamboo and its subsidiaries into Tantech BVI has been accounted for at historical cost and prepared on the basis as if the aforementioned reorganization had become effective as of the beginning of the first period presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Incorporated in the City of Lishui, Zhejiang Province of the People’s Republic of China (“China” or “PRC”) on December 5, 2005, Tantech Bamboo is engaged in the research and development, production and distribution of various products made from bamboo. In addition, Tantech Bamboo also has five wholly-owned subsidiaries: Zhejiang Tantech Bamboo Charcoal Co., Ltd. (“Tantech Charcoal” or “Charcoal”), Zhejiang Tantech Energy Tech Co., Ltd. (“Tantech Energy” or “Energy”), Zhejiang Babiku Charcoal Co., Ltd. (“Tantech Babiku” or “Babiku”), Lishui Zhongzhu Charcoal Co., Ltd. (“Lishui Zhongzhu” or “Zhongzhu”) and Hangzhou Tanbo Tech Co., Ltd. (“Tanbo Tech” or “Tanbo”). Tantech Charcoal conducts trading business, including the export of charcoal products; Tantech Energy is engaged in the manufacturing of EDLC carbon and low emission barbecue (“BBQ) charcoal; Tantech Babiku, established by Tantech Bamboo on October 20, 2015, conducts BBQ charcoal business and Tantech Energy is currently in the process of transferring its low emission BBQ charcoal business to Tantech Babiku. Lishui Zhongzhu, established by Tantech Bamboo on November 18, 2015, will be engaged in the production and sales of active charcoal and other products. Tanbo Tech, a new entity established by Tantech Bamboo on December 8, 2015, plans to explore business opportunities outside Lishui area.

Summary of significant accounti

Summary of significant accounting policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Note 2 – S ummary of significant accounting policies The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Tantech BVI and its subsidiaries, USCNHK, Tantech Bamboo as well as Tantech Bamboo’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Tantech Charcoal, Tantech Energy and Tantech Babiku (collectively, the “Company”). All significant inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation. In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting year. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the useful lives of property and equipment; allowances pertaining to the allowance for doubtful accounts and advances to related parties and suppliers; the valuation of inventories; and the realizability of deferred tax assets. The Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements”, defines fair value, establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurements and enhances disclosure requirements. The three levels are defined as follows: Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 - inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted market prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, and inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable. Unless otherwise disclosed, the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments including cash, restricted cash, accounts receivable, advances to suppliers, accounts payable, customer deposits, accrued expenses, short term bank loans and bank acceptance notes payable approximates their recorded values due to their short-term maturities. For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less and money market accounts to be cash equivalents. All cash balances are in bank accounts in PRC and Hong Kong and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or other programs. Restricted cash represents required cash deposits as a part of collateral for bank acceptance notes payable and letters of credit. The Company is required to maintain 50 Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash, trade accounts receivable and advances to suppliers. All of the Company’s cash is maintained with banks within the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong of which no deposits are covered by insurance. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. A significant portion of the Company's sales are credit sales which are primarily to customers whose ability to pay is dependent upon the industry economics prevailing in these areas. The Company also makes cash advances to certain suppliers to ensure the stable supply of key raw materials. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and key suppliers to help further reduce credit risk. Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses. The Company reviews its accounts receivable on a periodic basis and makes general and specific allowances when there is doubt as to the collectability of individual balances. In evaluating the collectability of individual receivable balances, the Company considers many factors, including the age of the balance, customer’s historical payment history, its current credit-worthiness and current economic trends. Accounts are written off after efforts at collection prove unsuccessful. The Company values its inventories at the lower of cost, determined on a weighted average basis, or market. The Company reviews its inventories periodically to determine if any reserves are necessary for potential obsolescence or if a write-down is necessary if the carrying value exceeds net realizable value. In order to ensure a steady supply of raw materials, the Company is required from time to time to make cash advances when placing its purchase orders. The Company reviews its advances to suppliers on a periodic basis and makes general and specific allowances when there is doubt as to the ability of a supplier to refund an advance to the Company. Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The cost of an asset comprises its purchase price and any directly attributable costs of bringing the asset to its present working condition and location for its intended use. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Buildings 20 years Machinery and equipment 5-10 years Transportation equipment 4 years Office equipment 4 - 5 years Electronic equipment 3 years Repairs and maintenance costs are normally charged to earnings in the year in which they are incurred. In situations where it can be clearly demonstrated that the expenditure has resulted in an increase in the future economic benefits expected to be obtained from the use of the asset, the expenditure is capitalized as an additional cost of the asset. Construction in progress includes direct costs of construction or acquisition of equipment, interest expense associated with the loans used for the construction and design fees incurred. Capitalization of these costs ceases and the construction in progress is transferred to plant and equipment when substantially all the activities necessary to prepare the assets for their intended use are completed. No depreciation is provided until it is completed and ready for its intended use. Customer deposits represent amounts received from customers in advance of shipments relating to the sales of the Company’s products. Non-controlling interest represents the minority stockholders’ proportionate share of 5 The Company’s sales have seasonality, with low sales volume in January and February, and high sales volume in November and December. The sales between March and September do not follow any seasonal pattern. The seasonality is mainly due to China’s biggest sales season of the year, the Spring Festival, which usually falls between January and February. Before the Spring Festival, supermarkets usually increase their purchases to prepare for the holiday sale. The Company’s main customers are supermarkets chain stores, who also increase purchases from the Company in November and December in preparation for the annual sale. The Company recognizes revenues under FAS Codification Topic 605 (“ASC 605”). Revenue is recognized when all of the following have occurred: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (iii) the price is fixed or determinable, and (iv) the ability to collect is reasonably assured. These criteria are generally satisfied by the Company at the time of delivery for sales, which is the point when risk of loss and title passes to the customer. The delivery of goods either occurs when (a) goods leave the Company’s warehouse or production facilities or (b) goods are delivered and accepted by customer, usually at a location outside the Company. For sales under free on board (“FOB”) warehouse or production facilities term, the Company recognizes revenue when product leaves the Company’s warehouse or production facility. Product delivery is evidenced by warehouse shipping log as well as signed shipping bills from the shipping company. For sales under FOB destination term, the Company recognizes revenue when product is delivered and accepted by customer. Product delivery is evidenced by signed receipt document upon delivery. Revenue recognized under such method accounted for approximately 68% and 70 Under both cases, the risk of loss and/or title of goods have been passed to customer at the time of delivery. The Company does not recognize any revenue for any sale arrangements that do not transfer title and/or risk of loss. The Company’s sales cutoff for both methods is evidenced by the receipt of goods delivery either signed by the shipping company or the customer acknowledging the receipt of goods. Such document is used as the proof of transfer of title and/or risk of loss. Revenue is reported net of all value added taxes. The Company does not routinely permit customers to return products and historically, customer returns have been immaterial. Cost of revenues includes cost of raw materials purchased, inbound freight cost, cost of direct labor, depreciation expense and other overhead. Cost of revenues also includes the cost of raw materials and utility purchased from related parties. Write-down of inventory for lower of cost or market adjustments is also recorded in cost of revenues. The Company periodically receives various government grants such as “High Technology Projects Subsidy” and “Scientific Research Grant”. There is no guarantee the Company will continue to receive such grants in the future. Other Income Other income was primarily related to the consulting fee that the Company charged a third party using a Company’s patent in the production of doors with air treatment functionality. The Company’s financial information is presented in U.S. dollars. The functional currency of the Company’s subsidiaries in the PRC is the RMB, the currency of the PRC. Any subsidiary transactions, which are denominated in currencies other than RMB, are translated into RMB at the exchange rate quoted by the People’s Bank of China prevailing at the dates of the transactions, and exchange gains and losses are included in the statements of operations as foreign currency transaction gain or loss. The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with ASC 830, “Foreign Currency Matters”. The financial information is first prepared in RMB and then is translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates for revenue and expenses. Capital accounts are translated at their historical exchange rates when the capital transactions occurred. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Cash flows from the Company’s operations are calculated based upon the local currencies using the average translation rate. As a result, amounts related to assets and liabilities reported on the statements of cash flows will not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheets. The exchange rates in effect as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were RMB 1 for $ 0.1541 0.1629 0.1606 0.1628 Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income consists of two components, net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income refers to revenue, expenses, gains and losses that under GAAP are recorded as an element of shareholder’s equity but are excluded from net income. Other comprehensive income consists of foreign currency translation adjustment from those subsidiaries not using the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. The Company’s subsidiaries in China are subject to the income tax laws of the PRC. No taxable income was generated outside the PRC for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes”. ASC 740 requires an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes and allows recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets based upon the likelihood of realization of tax benefits in future years. Under the asset and liability approach, deferred taxes are provided for the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not these items will either expire before the Company is able to realize their benefits, or future deductibility is uncertain. ASC 740-10-25 prescribes a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken (or expected to be taken) in a tax return. It also provides guidance on the recognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, years open for tax examination, accounting for income taxes in interim periods and income tax disclosures. There were no material uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. All tax returns since the Company’s inception are subject to examination by tax authorities. The Company is subject to VAT for selling merchandise. The applicable VAT rate is 13% or 17% (depending on the type of goods involved) for products sold in the PRC. The Company computes earnings per share (“EPS”) in accordance with ASC 260, “Earnings per Share” (“ASC 260”), and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 98 (“SAB 98”). ASC 260 requires companies with complex capital structures to present basic and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is measured as net income divided by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS but presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis of potential common shares (e.g., convertible securities, options and warrants) as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented, or issuance date, if later. Potential common shares that have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e., those that increase income per share or decrease loss per share) are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS. In accordance with ASC 230, “Statement of Cash Flows,” cash flows from the Company’s operations are calculated based upon the local currencies. As a result, amounts related to assets and liabilities reported on the statements of cash flows will not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheets. The operations of the Company are located in the PRC. Accordingly, the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations may be influenced by the political, economic, and legal environments in the PRC, in addition to the general state of the PRC economy. The Company’s results may be adversely affected by changes in the political and social conditions in the PRC, and by changes in governmental policies with respect to laws and regulations, anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion and remittance abroad, and rates and methods of taxation, among other things. The Company’s sales, purchases and expense transactions are denominated in RMB, and all of the Company’s assets and liabilities are also denominated in RMB. The RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currencies under the current law. In China, foreign exchange transactions are required by law to be transacted only by authorized financial institutions at exchange rates set by the People’s Bank of China, the central bank of China. Remittances in currencies other than RMB may require certain supporting documentation in order to effect the remittance. The Company does not carry any business interruption insurance, products liability insurance or any other insurance policy except for a limited property insurance policy. As a result, the Company may incur uninsured losses, increasing the possibility that investors would lose their entire investment in the Company. Research and development costs are expensed to operations as incurred. All shipping and handling costs are expensed as incurred and included in selling expenses. Total shipping and handling expenses were $ 222,782 299,797 Advertising expenses included in selling expenses were $ 25,999 860 In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance for evaluating whether a reporting organization should consolidate certain legal entities. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. The guidance should be applied either using a modified retrospective approach or retrospectively. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2016, and the Company is currently assessing which implementation method it will apply and the impact its adoption will have on its financial position and results of operations. In June 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) 2015-10, “Technical Corrections and Improvements.” This ASU corrects for differences between original guidance and the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) and makes minor improvements affecting several topics. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating this standard, but does not expect its adoption to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. The amendments in this Update will apply to all reporting entities within the scope of the affected accounting guidance. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330) - Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.” The amendments in this Update do not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out (LIFO) or the retail inventory method. The amendments apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost. An entity should measure inventory within the scope of this Update at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The amendments in this Update more closely align the measurement of inventory in GAAP with the measurement of inventory in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating this standard, but does not expect its adoption to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date. This amendment defers the effective date of the previously issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), until the interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Earlier application is permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is evaluating the effect of this standard on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, which eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for changes to provisional amounts initially recorded in a business acquisition opening balance sheet. Prior to the issuance of ASU 2015-16, an acquirer was required to restate prior period financial statements as of the acquisition date for adjustments to provisional amounts. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within fiscal years. The Company does not expect this update will have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes intended to improve how deferred taxes are classified on companies' balance sheets. ASU 2015-17 eliminates the current requirement for companies to present deferred tax liabilities and assets as current and non-current in a classified balance sheet. Instead, companies will be required to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current. The amendments apply to all organizations that present a classified balance sheet. For public companies, the amendments are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company does not expect this update will have a material impact on its consolidated financial position. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" to increase the transparency and comparability about leases among entities. The new guidance requires lessees to recognize a lease liability and a corresponding lease asset for virtually all lease contracts. It also requires additional disclosures about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and requires a modified retrospective approach to adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Allowance, and Net [Abstract]
Financing Receivables [Text Block]	Note 3 – Accounts receivable December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 Accounts receivable $ 41,709,235 $ 43,875,479 Allowance for doubtful accounts (1,224,364) (307,710) Accounts receivable, net $ 40,484,871 $ 43,567,769 Approximately 30 12.4 Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 307,710 $ 1,659,281 Addition to doubtful accounts expense 1,033,782 191,578 Deduction – collection of doubtful accounts (106,246) (1,536,464) Translation adjustments (10,882) (6,685) Balance at end of year $ 1,224,364 $ 307,710

Inventory

Inventory	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 4 – Inventory Inventory consisted of the following: December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 Raw materials $ 539,704 $ 569,103 Finished products 533,831 580,689 Work in process 173,943 189,510 Subtotal 1,247,478 1,339,302 Inventory reserve (150,430) - Total $ 1,097,048 $ 1,339,302 Inventory includes raw materials, packaging materials and finished goods. Finished goods include direct material costs, direct labor costs and manufacturing overhead.

Advances to suppliers, net

Advances to suppliers, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Advances to suppliers, net [Abstract]
Advances to suppliers, net [Text Block]	Note 5 – Advances to suppliers, net December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 Advances to Suppliers $ 15,904,023 $ 10,967,390 Allowance for doubtful accounts (306,915) (333,110) Advances to Suppliers, net $ 15,597,108 $ 10,634,280 Advances to Suppliers represent prepayments made to assure continuous supply, high quality and favorable payment terms. Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 333,110 $ 138,834 Addition to doubtful accounts expense 35,355 252,952 Deduction – utilization or return of advances (46,042) (58,117) Translation adjustments (15,508) (559) Balance at end of year $ 306,915 $ 333,110

Intangible assets, net

Intangible assets, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 6 – Intangible assets, net December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 Software $ 752,101 $ 795,050 Land use rights 1,988,087 2,101,619 Total 2,740,188 2,896,669 Less: Accumulated amortization (637,681) (474,248) Intangible assets, net $ 2,102,507 $ 2,422,421 There is no private ownership of land in China. Land is usually owned by the local government and the government grants land use rights for specified terms. The Company acquired two land use rights from the local government in December 2002 and September 2008 for periods of 50 1,669,445 1,806,812 The land use rights are amortized over fifty years and the software is amortized over 5 197,026 216,086 200,000

Property, plant and equipment,

Property, plant and equipment, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 7 – Property, plant and equipment, net December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 Building $ 12,776,709 $ 13,506,334 Machinery and Production equipment 2,982,759 2,964,189 Electronic equipment 251,508 246,595 Office equipment 50,294 52,509 Automobiles 227,094 280,396 Subtotal 16,288,364 17,050,023 Accumulated depreciation (5,169,729) (4,247,091) Total $ 11,118,635 $ 12,802,932 Depreciation expense was $ 1,244,154 1,290,857

Deposit for asset acquisition

Deposit for asset acquisition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Deposit Assets [Abstract]
Deposit for asset acquisition [Text Block]	Note 8 – Deposit for asset acquisition The Company made several deposits for the right to use multiple patents in the production of batteries as well as for purchase of certain equipment. As of December 31, 2015, the outstanding balance of $ 2,465,600 2,003,300 462,300 As of March 31, 2016, deposit of $ 1,541,000 As of December 31, 2014, the balance of $ 3,707,702 2,117,700 1,101,302 488,700

Deposit for business acquisitio

Deposit for business acquisition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Deposits [Abstract]
Deposits [Text Block]	Note 9 – Deposit for business acquisition In December 2015, the Company entered into a framework agreement with Suzhou E Motors Co., Ltd. (“Suzhou E Motors”), a specialty electric vehicles manufacturer based in Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu Province, China, to acquire 100 Pursuant to a framework agreement, the Company made a deposit of RMB 50,000,000 7,705,000

Short-term bank loans

Short-term bank loans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Loans Payable [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term Debt [Text Block]	No On January 8, 2014, the Company entered into a loan agreement with Bank of China, Lishui Branch to borrow RMB 13 2,117,700 6.9 On May 13, 2015, the Company entered into a new loan agreement with Bank of China, Lishui Branch to borrow RMB 14.8 2,280,680 6.9 On August 17, 2015, Tantech Bamboo entered into a new loan agreement with Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, Lishui Branch to borrow RMB 20 3,082,000 6.305 On December 16, 2015, Tantech Bamboo entered into a new loan agreement with Bank of China, Lishui Branch to borrow RMB 20 3,082,000 5.66

Accrued liabilities and Other P

Accrued liabilities and Other Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 11 – Accrued Liabilities and Other Payable December 31, December 31, Accrued expenses $ 312,172 $ 82,656 Salaries and employee benefits payable 248,564 99,120 Other payable 497,424 188,435 Total $ 1,058,160 $ 370,211

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies Guaranty provided for related party The Company provided a guaranty on behalf of Forasen Group’s bank loan of RMB 20,000,000 3,082,000 35,100,000 5,408,910 7.6

Stockholders' equity

Stockholders' equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 13 – Stockholders’ equity Stock split On November 25, 2014, the Company completed a 1,000-for-1 30,000,000 IPO On March 18, 2015, the Security Exchange Commission (“SEC”) declared effective the Company’s registration statement on Form F-1 (“IPO Registration Statement”). Pursuant to this IPO Registration Statement, along with the accompanying prospectus, the Company registered an offering of 1,600,000 4.00 On March 24, 2015, the Company closed its initial public offering of 1,600,000 shares of common stock at a price of $4.00 per share for gross proceeds of $ 6.4 5.7 S-8 On April 13, 2015, the Company filed Form S-8 with SEC to register 1,200,000 1,200,000 1,100,000 176,660 On July 23, 2015, the Company filed Form S-8 with SEC to register 400,000 400,000 200,000 32,120 Statutory reserve The Company is required to make appropriations to certain reserve funds, comprising the statutory surplus reserve and the discretionary surplus reserve, based on after-tax net income determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the PRC (“PRC GAAP”). Appropriations to the statutory surplus reserve are required to be at least 10% of the after-tax net income determined in accordance with PRC GAAP until the reserve is equal to 50% of the entity’s registered capital. Appropriations to the discretionary surplus reserve are made at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The statutory surplus reserve fund is non-discretionary other than during liquidation and can be used to fund previous years’ losses, if any, and may be utilized for business expansion or converted into share capital by issuing new shares to existing shareholders in proportion to their shareholding or by increasing the par value of shares currently held by them, provided the remaining statutory surplus reserve balance after such issue is not less than 25 Pursuant to the Company’s articles of incorporation, the Company is to appropriate 50 The Company made appropriations of $ 1,023,598 1,375,990

Taxes

Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Taxes [Abstract]
Taxes Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 14 – Taxes Taxes Payable December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 VAT tax payable $ - $ 568,515 Corporation income tax payable 687,745 1,543,294 Other tax payable 116,525 160,297 Total $ 804,270 $ 2,272,106 Corporation Income Tax (“CIT”) Tantech BVI was incorporated in the BVI and is not subject to income taxes under the current laws of BVI. USCNHK is a holding company registered in Hong Kong and has no operating profit for tax liabilities. Tantech Bamboo was registered in the PRC and is subject to corporate income tax at unified rate of 15 Tantech Energy was registered in the PRC and is subject to corporate income tax at unified rate of 15 Tantech Charcoal is subject to corporate income tax at unified rate of 25 Tantech Babiku is subject to corporate income tax at unified rate of 25 Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 Statutory PRC income tax rate 25 % 25 % Favorable tax rate impact (a) (12) % (10) % Permanent difference 5 % 1 % Changes of deferred tax assets allowances 3 % - Total 21 % 16 % (a) Two of the Company’s subsidiaries, Tantech Bamboo and Tantech Energy are subject to tax rate of 15%. Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 Current $ 2,377,715 $ 2,524,901 Deferred - 329,588 Total $ 2,377,715 $ 2,854,489 December 31, 2015 2014 Allowance for doubtful accounts and other reserves $ 324,053 $ 140,226 Accumulated depreciation 72,834 26,109 Valuation allowance (396,887) - Total $ - $ 166,335

Major customers and suppliers

Major customers and suppliers	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 15 – Major customers and suppliers For the year ended December 31, 2015, two major customers accounted for approximately 17 12 16 10 As of December 31, 2015, two customers accounted for approximately 19 11 As of December 31, 2014, one customer accounted for approximately 12 For the year ended December 31, 2015, three major suppliers accounted for approximately 30 18 13 37 25 11

Segment information

Segment information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 16 – Segment information The Company uses the “management approach” in determining reportable operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the source for determining the Company’s reportable segments. Management, including the chief operating decision maker, reviews operation results by the revenue of consumer products, trading and biofuel energy products. As such, the Company has determined that it has three operating segments as defined by ASC 280, “Segment Reporting”: consumer products, trading and biofuel energy. Consumer products segment manufactures and sells Charcoal Doctor branded products and BBQ charcoal in China. Trading segment conducts rubber and other trading businesses. Biofuel energy segment produces and sells BBQ charcoal to customers in Asia, Europe and North America and produces and sells bamboo-based fuel for Electric Double Layer Capacitor. Adjustments and eliminations of inter-company transactions were not included in determining segment (loss) profit, as they are not used by the chief operating decision maker. Consumer product Trading Biofuel Energy Total 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenue from external customers $ 43,235,065 $ 53,051,808 $ 3,579,471 $ 2,999,463 $ 12,015,364 $ 9,441,835 $ 58,829,900 $ 65,493,106 Revenue from intersegment 736,527 1,073,530 11,988 - 554,251 759,752 1,302,766 1,833,282 Cost of revenue 28,618,875 34,824,870 3,463,818 2,936,503 9,864,991 7,091,621 41,947,684 44,852,994 Gross profit 14,616,190 18,226,938 115,653 62,960 2,150,373 2,350,214 16,882,216 20,640,112 Interest Expenses 324,643 295,204 85,828 150,685 1,622 88,341 412,093 534,230 Depreciation & amortization 478,400 508,607 72,715 79,293 890,065 919,043 1,441,180 1,506,943 Segment profit 10,235,984 13,759,901 (734,126) 178,931 256,704 778,830 9,758,562 14,717,662 Segment assets $ 72,302,734 $ 64,878,256 $ 2,071,215 $ 6,760,386 $ 7,738,850 $ 7,069,952 $ 82,112,799 $ 78,708,594 Barbecue Barbecue Purification & Charcoal – Charcoal - Cleaning Deodorization domestic Trading EDLC Carbon international Total Year ended December 31, 2015 Revenue $ 2,333,883 $ 32,548,426 $ 8,352,756 $ 3,579,471 $ 11,387,102 $ 628,262 $ 58,829,900 Year ended December 31, 2014 Revenue $ 2,277,143 $ 37,475,537 $ 13,299,128 $ 2,999,463 $ 8,630,296 $ 811,539 $ 65,493,106 Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 Revenue from China $ 58,129,408 $ 64,217,607 Revenue from foreign countries 700,492 1,275,499 Total Revenue $ 58,829,900 $ 65,493,106

Subsequent events

Subsequent events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Note 17 – Subsequent events On August 19, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized USCNHK to form a wholly-owned subsidiary, Lishui Tantech Energy Tech Co., Ltd. (“Lishui Tantech”). On April 7, 2016, Lishui Tantech was registered in Lishui, China under the PRC law. On March 1, 2016, Tantech Holdings Ltd. (“Tantech”) entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which Tantech agreed to sell securities to various purchasers (the “Purchasers”) in a private placement transaction (the “Private Placement”). The Private Placement closed on March 1, 2016. Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, Tantech agrees to transfer, assign, set over and deliver to the Purchasers and the Purchasers agree, severally and not jointly, to acquire from the Tantech in the aggregate 1,693,000 4.70 7,957,100 23,293,000

Summary of significant accoun25

Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principal of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Tantech BVI and its subsidiaries, USCNHK, Tantech Bamboo as well as Tantech Bamboo’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Tantech Charcoal, Tantech Energy and Tantech Babiku (collectively, the “Company”). All significant inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting year. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the useful lives of property and equipment; allowances pertaining to the allowance for doubtful accounts and advances to related parties and suppliers; the valuation of inventories; and the realizability of deferred tax assets.
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements”, defines fair value, establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurements and enhances disclosure requirements. The three levels are defined as follows: Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 - inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted market prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, and inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable. Unless otherwise disclosed, the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments including cash, restricted cash, accounts receivable, advances to suppliers, accounts payable, customer deposits, accrued expenses, short term bank loans and bank acceptance notes payable approximates their recorded values due to their short-term maturities.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and cash equivalents For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less and money market accounts to be cash equivalents. All cash balances are in bank accounts in PRC and Hong Kong and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or other programs.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Restricted Cash Restricted cash represents required cash deposits as a part of collateral for bank acceptance notes payable and letters of credit. The Company is required to maintain 50
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Concentrations of credit risk Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash, trade accounts receivable and advances to suppliers. All of the Company’s cash is maintained with banks within the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong of which no deposits are covered by insurance. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. A significant portion of the Company's sales are credit sales which are primarily to customers whose ability to pay is dependent upon the industry economics prevailing in these areas. The Company also makes cash advances to certain suppliers to ensure the stable supply of key raw materials. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and key suppliers to help further reduce credit risk.
Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounts receivable Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses. The Company reviews its accounts receivable on a periodic basis and makes general and specific allowances when there is doubt as to the collectability of individual balances. In evaluating the collectability of individual receivable balances, the Company considers many factors, including the age of the balance, customer’s historical payment history, its current credit-worthiness and current economic trends. Accounts are written off after efforts at collection prove unsuccessful.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventory The Company values its inventories at the lower of cost, determined on a weighted average basis, or market. The Company reviews its inventories periodically to determine if any reserves are necessary for potential obsolescence or if a write-down is necessary if the carrying value exceeds net realizable value.
Advances To Suppliers [Policy Text Block]	Advances to Suppliers In order to ensure a steady supply of raw materials, the Company is required from time to time to make cash advances when placing its purchase orders. The Company reviews its advances to suppliers on a periodic basis and makes general and specific allowances when there is doubt as to the ability of a supplier to refund an advance to the Company.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property and Equipment and Construction in Progress Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The cost of an asset comprises its purchase price and any directly attributable costs of bringing the asset to its present working condition and location for its intended use. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Buildings 20 years Machinery and equipment 5-10 years Transportation equipment 4 years Office equipment 4 - 5 years Electronic equipment 3 years Repairs and maintenance costs are normally charged to earnings in the year in which they are incurred. In situations where it can be clearly demonstrated that the expenditure has resulted in an increase in the future economic benefits expected to be obtained from the use of the asset, the expenditure is capitalized as an additional cost of the asset. Construction in progress includes direct costs of construction or acquisition of equipment, interest expense associated with the loans used for the construction and design fees incurred. Capitalization of these costs ceases and the construction in progress is transferred to plant and equipment when substantially all the activities necessary to prepare the assets for their intended use are completed. No depreciation is provided until it is completed and ready for its intended use.
Customer Deposits [Policy Text Block]	Customer Deposits Customer deposits represent amounts received from customers in advance of shipments relating to the sales of the Company’s products.
Non Controlling Interest [Policy Text Block]	Non-controlling interest Non-controlling interest represents the minority stockholders’ proportionate share of 5
Seasonality [Policy Text Block]	Seasonality The Company’s sales have seasonality, with low sales volume in January and February, and high sales volume in November and December. The sales between March and September do not follow any seasonal pattern. The seasonality is mainly due to China’s biggest sales season of the year, the Spring Festival, which usually falls between January and February. Before the Spring Festival, supermarkets usually increase their purchases to prepare for the holiday sale. The Company’s main customers are supermarkets chain stores, who also increase purchases from the Company in November and December in preparation for the annual sale.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenues under FAS Codification Topic 605 (“ASC 605”). Revenue is recognized when all of the following have occurred: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (iii) the price is fixed or determinable, and (iv) the ability to collect is reasonably assured. These criteria are generally satisfied by the Company at the time of delivery for sales, which is the point when risk of loss and title passes to the customer. The delivery of goods either occurs when (a) goods leave the Company’s warehouse or production facilities or (b) goods are delivered and accepted by customer, usually at a location outside the Company. For sales under free on board (“FOB”) warehouse or production facilities term, the Company recognizes revenue when product leaves the Company’s warehouse or production facility. Product delivery is evidenced by warehouse shipping log as well as signed shipping bills from the shipping company. For sales under FOB destination term, the Company recognizes revenue when product is delivered and accepted by customer. Product delivery is evidenced by signed receipt document upon delivery. Revenue recognized under such method accounted for approximately 68% and 70 Under both cases, the risk of loss and/or title of goods have been passed to customer at the time of delivery. The Company does not recognize any revenue for any sale arrangements that do not transfer title and/or risk of loss. The Company’s sales cutoff for both methods is evidenced by the receipt of goods delivery either signed by the shipping company or the customer acknowledging the receipt of goods. Such document is used as the proof of transfer of title and/or risk of loss. Revenue is reported net of all value added taxes. The Company does not routinely permit customers to return products and historically, customer returns have been immaterial.
Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cost of revenues Cost of revenues includes cost of raw materials purchased, inbound freight cost, cost of direct labor, depreciation expense and other overhead. Cost of revenues also includes the cost of raw materials and utility purchased from related parties. Write-down of inventory for lower of cost or market adjustments is also recorded in cost of revenues.
Subsidy Income [Policy Text Block]	Subsidy Income The Company periodically receives various government grants such as “High Technology Projects Subsidy” and “Scientific Research Grant”. There is no guarantee the Company will continue to receive such grants in the future.
Other Income [Policy Text Block]	Other Income Other income was primarily related to the consulting fee that the Company charged a third party using a Company’s patent in the production of doors with air treatment functionality.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Foreign Currency Translation The Company’s financial information is presented in U.S. dollars. The functional currency of the Company’s subsidiaries in the PRC is the RMB, the currency of the PRC. Any subsidiary transactions, which are denominated in currencies other than RMB, are translated into RMB at the exchange rate quoted by the People’s Bank of China prevailing at the dates of the transactions, and exchange gains and losses are included in the statements of operations as foreign currency transaction gain or loss. The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with ASC 830, “Foreign Currency Matters”. The financial information is first prepared in RMB and then is translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates for revenue and expenses. Capital accounts are translated at their historical exchange rates when the capital transactions occurred. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Cash flows from the Company’s operations are calculated based upon the local currencies using the average translation rate. As a result, amounts related to assets and liabilities reported on the statements of cash flows will not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheets. The exchange rates in effect as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were RMB 1 for $ 0.1541 0.1629 0.1606 0.1628
Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income consists of two components, net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income refers to revenue, expenses, gains and losses that under GAAP are recorded as an element of shareholder’s equity but are excluded from net income. Other comprehensive income consists of foreign currency translation adjustment from those subsidiaries not using the U.S. dollar as their functional currency.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes The Company’s subsidiaries in China are subject to the income tax laws of the PRC. No taxable income was generated outside the PRC for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes”. ASC 740 requires an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes and allows recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets based upon the likelihood of realization of tax benefits in future years. Under the asset and liability approach, deferred taxes are provided for the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not these items will either expire before the Company is able to realize their benefits, or future deductibility is uncertain. ASC 740-10-25 prescribes a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken (or expected to be taken) in a tax return. It also provides guidance on the recognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, years open for tax examination, accounting for income taxes in interim periods and income tax disclosures. There were no material uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. All tax returns since the Company’s inception are subject to examination by tax authorities.
Value Added Tax [Policy Text Block]	Value Added Tax (“VAT”) The Company is subject to VAT for selling merchandise. The applicable VAT rate is 13% or 17% (depending on the type of goods involved) for products sold in the PRC.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Earnings per Share The Company computes earnings per share (“EPS”) in accordance with ASC 260, “Earnings per Share” (“ASC 260”), and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 98 (“SAB 98”). ASC 260 requires companies with complex capital structures to present basic and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is measured as net income divided by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS but presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis of potential common shares (e.g., convertible securities, options and warrants) as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented, or issuance date, if later. Potential common shares that have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e., those that increase income per share or decrease loss per share) are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS.
Statement Of Cash Flows [Policy Text Block]	Statement of Cash Flows In accordance with ASC 230, “Statement of Cash Flows,” cash flows from the Company’s operations are calculated based upon the local currencies. As a result, amounts related to assets and liabilities reported on the statements of cash flows will not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheets.
Risks And Uncertainties [Policy Text Block]	Risks and Uncertainties The operations of the Company are located in the PRC. Accordingly, the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations may be influenced by the political, economic, and legal environments in the PRC, in addition to the general state of the PRC economy. The Company’s results may be adversely affected by changes in the political and social conditions in the PRC, and by changes in governmental policies with respect to laws and regulations, anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion and remittance abroad, and rates and methods of taxation, among other things. The Company’s sales, purchases and expense transactions are denominated in RMB, and all of the Company’s assets and liabilities are also denominated in RMB. The RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currencies under the current law. In China, foreign exchange transactions are required by law to be transacted only by authorized financial institutions at exchange rates set by the People’s Bank of China, the central bank of China. Remittances in currencies other than RMB may require certain supporting documentation in order to effect the remittance. The Company does not carry any business interruption insurance, products liability insurance or any other insurance policy except for a limited property insurance policy. As a result, the Company may incur uninsured losses, increasing the possibility that investors would lose their entire investment in the Company.
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Research and development costs Research and development costs are expensed to operations as incurred.
Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Shipping and handling costs All shipping and handling costs are expensed as incurred and included in selling expenses. Total shipping and handling expenses were $ 222,782 299,797
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Advertising expense Advertising expenses included in selling expenses were $ 25,999 860
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recent accounting pronouncements In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance for evaluating whether a reporting organization should consolidate certain legal entities. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. The guidance should be applied either using a modified retrospective approach or retrospectively. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2016, and the Company is currently assessing which implementation method it will apply and the impact its adoption will have on its financial position and results of operations. In June 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) 2015-10, “Technical Corrections and Improvements.” This ASU corrects for differences between original guidance and the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) and makes minor improvements affecting several topics. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating this standard, but does not expect its adoption to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. The amendments in this Update will apply to all reporting entities within the scope of the affected accounting guidance. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330) - Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.” The amendments in this Update do not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out (LIFO) or the retail inventory method. The amendments apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost. An entity should measure inventory within the scope of this Update at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The amendments in this Update more closely align the measurement of inventory in GAAP with the measurement of inventory in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating this standard, but does not expect its adoption to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date. This amendment defers the effective date of the previously issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), until the interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Earlier application is permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is evaluating the effect of this standard on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, which eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for changes to provisional amounts initially recorded in a business acquisition opening balance sheet. Prior to the issuance of ASU 2015-16, an acquirer was required to restate prior period financial statements as of the acquisition date for adjustments to provisional amounts. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within fiscal years. The Company does not expect this update will have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes intended to improve how deferred taxes are classified on companies' balance sheets. ASU 2015-17 eliminates the current requirement for companies to present deferred tax liabilities and assets as current and non-current in a classified balance sheet. Instead, companies will be required to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current. The amendments apply to all organizations that present a classified balance sheet. For public companies, the amendments are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company does not expect this update will have a material impact on its consolidated financial position. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" to increase the transparency and comparability about leases among entities. The new guidance requires lessees to recognize a lease liability and a corresponding lease asset for virtually all lease contracts. It also requires additional disclosures about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and requires a modified retrospective approach to adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Summary of significant accoun26

Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property Plant And Equipment Useful Life [Table Text Block]	The estimated useful lives for significant property and equipment are as follows: Buildings 20 years Machinery and equipment 5-10 years Transportation equipment 4 years Office equipment 4 - 5 years Electronic equipment 3 years

Accounts receivable (Tables)

Accounts receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	Accounts receivable consisted of the following: December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 Accounts receivable $ 41,709,235 $ 43,875,479 Allowance for doubtful accounts (1,224,364) (307,710) Accounts receivable, net $ 40,484,871 $ 43,567,769
Accounts Receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Schedule of Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Table Text Block]	An analysis of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 307,710 $ 1,659,281 Addition to doubtful accounts expense 1,033,782 191,578 Deduction – collection of doubtful accounts (106,246) (1,536,464) Translation adjustments (10,882) (6,685) Balance at end of year $ 1,224,364 $ 307,710

Inventory (Tables)

Inventory (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	Inventory consisted of the following: December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 Raw materials $ 539,704 $ 569,103 Finished products 533,831 580,689 Work in process 173,943 189,510 Subtotal 1,247,478 1,339,302 Inventory reserve (150,430) - Total $ 1,097,048 $ 1,339,302

Advances to suppliers, net (Tab

Advances to suppliers, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Advances to suppliers, net [Line Items]
Schedule Of Advances To Suppliers [Table Text Block]	Advances to Suppliers consisted of the following: December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 Advances to Suppliers $ 15,904,023 $ 10,967,390 Allowance for doubtful accounts (306,915) (333,110) Advances to Suppliers, net $ 15,597,108 $ 10,634,280
Advances To Suppliers [Member]
Advances to suppliers, net [Line Items]
Schedule of Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Table Text Block]	An analysis of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 333,110 $ 138,834 Addition to doubtful accounts expense 35,355 252,952 Deduction – utilization or return of advances (46,042) (58,117) Translation adjustments (15,508) (559) Balance at end of year $ 306,915 $ 333,110

Intangible assets, net (Tables)

Intangible assets, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block]	December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 Software $ 752,101 $ 795,050 Land use rights 1,988,087 2,101,619 Total 2,740,188 2,896,669 Less: Accumulated amortization (637,681) (474,248) Intangible assets, net $ 2,102,507 $ 2,422,421

Property, plant and equipment31

Property, plant and equipment, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	Property, plant and equipment stated at cost less accumulated depreciation consisted of the following: December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 Building $ 12,776,709 $ 13,506,334 Machinery and Production equipment 2,982,759 2,964,189 Electronic equipment 251,508 246,595 Office equipment 50,294 52,509 Automobiles 227,094 280,396 Subtotal 16,288,364 17,050,023 Accumulated depreciation (5,169,729) (4,247,091) Total $ 11,118,635 $ 12,802,932

Accrued liabilities and other32

Accrued liabilities and other payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Accrued liabilities and other payable as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consist of the following: December 31, December 31, Accrued expenses $ 312,172 $ 82,656 Salaries and employee benefits payable 248,564 99,120 Other payable 497,424 188,435 Total $ 1,058,160 $ 370,211

Taxes (Tables)

Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule Of Taxes Payable [Table Text Block]	Taxes payable as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consist of the following: December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 VAT tax payable $ - $ 568,515 Corporation income tax payable 687,745 1,543,294 Other tax payable 116,525 160,297 Total $ 804,270 $ 2,272,106
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The following table reconciles PRC statutory rates to the Company’s effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 Statutory PRC income tax rate 25 % 25 % Favorable tax rate impact (a) (12) % (10) % Permanent difference 5 % 1 % Changes of deferred tax assets allowances 3 % - Total 21 % 16 % (a) Two of the Company’s subsidiaries, Tantech Bamboo and Tantech Energy are subject to tax rate of 15%.
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	The provision for income tax consists of the following: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 Current $ 2,377,715 $ 2,524,901 Deferred - 329,588 Total $ 2,377,715 $ 2,854,489
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Significant components of deferred tax assets are as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 Allowance for doubtful accounts and other reserves $ 324,053 $ 140,226 Accumulated depreciation 72,834 26,109 Valuation allowance (396,887) - Total $ - $ 166,335

Segment information (Tables)

Segment information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	The following table presents summary information by segment for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Consumer product Trading Biofuel Energy Total 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenue from external customers $ 43,235,065 $ 53,051,808 $ 3,579,471 $ 2,999,463 $ 12,015,364 $ 9,441,835 $ 58,829,900 $ 65,493,106 Revenue from intersegment 736,527 1,073,530 11,988 - 554,251 759,752 1,302,766 1,833,282 Cost of revenue 28,618,875 34,824,870 3,463,818 2,936,503 9,864,991 7,091,621 41,947,684 44,852,994 Gross profit 14,616,190 18,226,938 115,653 62,960 2,150,373 2,350,214 16,882,216 20,640,112 Interest Expenses 324,643 295,204 85,828 150,685 1,622 88,341 412,093 534,230 Depreciation & amortization 478,400 508,607 72,715 79,293 890,065 919,043 1,441,180 1,506,943 Segment profit 10,235,984 13,759,901 (734,126) 178,931 256,704 778,830 9,758,562 14,717,662 Segment assets $ 72,302,734 $ 64,878,256 $ 2,071,215 $ 6,760,386 $ 7,738,850 $ 7,069,952 $ 82,112,799 $ 78,708,594
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	Segment information by products for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014: Barbecue Barbecue Purification & Charcoal – Charcoal - Cleaning Deodorization domestic Trading EDLC Carbon international Total Year ended December 31, 2015 Revenue $ 2,333,883 $ 32,548,426 $ 8,352,756 $ 3,579,471 $ 11,387,102 $ 628,262 $ 58,829,900 Year ended December 31, 2014 Revenue $ 2,277,143 $ 37,475,537 $ 13,299,128 $ 2,999,463 $ 8,630,296 $ 811,539 $ 65,493,106
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]	All of the Company's long-lived assets are located in the PRC. Geographic information about the revenues, which are classified based on customers, is set out as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 Revenue from China $ 58,129,408 $ 64,217,607 Revenue from foreign countries 700,492 1,275,499 Total Revenue $ 58,829,900 $ 65,493,106

Organization and nature of bu35

Organization and nature of business (Details Textual) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 20, 2013USD ($)	Mar. 20, 2013CNY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2010USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010CNY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 20, 2013CNY (¥)
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$ 18.5	¥ 115,520,000
USCNHK [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent					100.00%
Tantech Bamboo [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent			95.00%	95.00%
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred			$ 18.5	¥ 115,520,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage			0.00%	0.00%	5.00%
Mr. Zhengyu Wang [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 6.1					¥ 37,635,136

Summary of significant accoun36

Summary of significant accounting policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Transportation Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	4 years
Office Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	4 years
Office Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Electronic Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years

Summary of significant accoun37

Summary of significant accounting policies (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Restricted Cash Minimum Balance Maintain Percentage	50.00%
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation	0.1541	0.1629
Shipping, Handling and Transportation Costs	$ 222,782	$ 299,797
Advertising Expense	$ 25,999	$ 860
Value Added Tax Description	The Company is subject to VAT for selling merchandise. The applicable VAT rate is 13% or 17% (depending on the type of goods involved) for products sold in the PRC.
Foreign Currency Average Exchange Rate Translation	0.1606	0.1628
Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	68.00%	70.00%
Tantech Bamboo [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	5.00%		0.00%

Accounts receivable (Details)

Accounts receivable (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	$ 41,709,235	$ 43,875,479
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(1,224,364)	(307,710)
Accounts receivable, net	$ 40,484,871	$ 43,567,769

Accounts receivable (Details 1)

Accounts receivable (Details 1) - Accounts Receivable [Member] - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 307,710	$ 1,659,281
Addition to doubtful accounts expense	1,033,782	191,578
Deduction - collection of doubtful accounts	(106,246)	(1,536,464)
Translation adjustments	(10,882)	(6,685)
Balance at end of year	$ 1,224,364	$ 307,710

Accounts receivable (Details Te

Accounts receivable (Details Textual) - Accounts Receivable [Member] - Scenario, Forecast [Member] $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	30.00%
Proceeds from Collection of Other Receivables	$ 12.4

Inventory (Details)

Inventory (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory [Line Items]
Raw materials	$ 539,704	$ 569,103
Finished products	533,831	580,689
Work in process	173,943	189,510
Subtotal	1,247,478	1,339,302
Inventory reserve	(150,430)	0
Total	$ 1,097,048	$ 1,339,302

Advances to suppliers, net (Det

Advances to suppliers, net (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Advances to suppliers, net [Line Items]
Advances to Suppliers	$ 15,904,023	$ 10,967,390
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(306,915)	(333,110)
Advances to Suppliers, net	$ 15,597,108	$ 10,634,280

Advances to suppliers, net (D43

Advances to suppliers, net (Details 1) - Advances To Suppliers [Member] - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Advances to suppliers, net [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 333,110	$ 138,834
Addition to doubtful accounts expense	35,355	252,952
Deduction - utilization or return of advances	(46,042)	(58,117)
Translation adjustments	(15,508)	(559)
Balance at end of year	$ 306,915	$ 333,110

Intangible assets, net (Details

Intangible assets, net (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total	$ 2,740,188	$ 2,896,669
Less: Accumulated amortization	(637,681)	(474,248)
Intangible assets, net	2,102,507	2,422,421
Software [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total	752,101	795,050
Land Use Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total	$ 1,988,087	$ 2,101,619

Intangible assets, net (Detai45

Intangible assets, net (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 197,026	$ 216,086
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	$ 200,000
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period	5 years
Land Use Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 1,669,445	$ 1,806,812
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period	50 years

Property, plant and equipment46

Property, plant and equipment, net (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Subtotal	$ 16,288,364	$ 17,050,023
Accumulated depreciation	(5,169,729)	(4,247,091)
Total	11,118,635	12,802,932
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Subtotal	12,776,709	13,506,334
Machinery and Production Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Subtotal	2,982,759	2,964,189
Electronic Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Subtotal	251,508	246,595
Office Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Subtotal	50,294	52,509
Automobiles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Subtotal	$ 227,094	$ 280,396

Property, plant and equipment47

Property, plant and equipment, net (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 1,244,154	$ 1,290,857

Deposit for asset acquisition (

Deposit for asset acquisition (Details Textual) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deposit for asset acquisition [Line Items]
Advance payments - non-current		$ 2,465,600	$ 3,707,702
Patents [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Deposit for asset acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from Deposits with Other Institutions	$ 1,541,000
Payment For Utilization Of Patent [Member]
Deposit for asset acquisition [Line Items]
Advance payments - non-current		2,003,300	2,117,700
Payment For Purchase Of Equipment [Member]
Deposit for asset acquisition [Line Items]
Advance payments - non-current		$ 462,300	1,101,302
Payment For Sponsored Research And Development Project [Member]
Deposit for asset acquisition [Line Items]
Advance payments - non-current			$ 488,700

Deposit for business acquisit49

Deposit for business acquisition (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015CNY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Deposits For Acquisition Of Assets [Line Items]
Deposit For Acquisition Of Asset Non Current	$ 2,465,600		$ 3,707,702
Suzhou E Motors Co Ltd [Member]
Deposits For Acquisition Of Assets [Line Items]
Deposit For Acquisition Of Asset Non Current	$ 7,705,000	¥ 50,000,000
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	100.00%	100.00%

Short-term bank loans (Details

Short-term bank loans (Details Textual) ¥ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 16, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 16, 2015CNY (¥)	Aug. 17, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 17, 2015CNY (¥)	May. 13, 2015USD ($)	May. 13, 2015CNY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Jan. 08, 2014USD ($)	Jan. 08, 2014CNY (¥)
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term Bank Loans and Notes Payable	$ 8,444,680					$ 2,280,680	¥ 14.8	$ 2,117,700	$ 2,117,700	¥ 13
Tantech Bamboo [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term Bank Loans and Notes Payable		$ 3,082,000	¥ 20	$ 3,082,000	¥ 20
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.66%	5.66%	6.305%	6.305%
Loans Payable [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage						6.90%	6.90%		6.90%	6.90%

Accrued liabilities and Other51

Accrued liabilities and Other Payable (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued expenses	$ 312,172	$ 82,656
Salaries and employee benefits payable	248,564	99,120
Other payables	497,424	188,435
Total	$ 1,058,160	$ 370,211

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) - Forasen Group’s [Member]	Apr. 15, 2014USD ($)	Apr. 15, 2014CNY (¥)	Apr. 08, 2014USD ($)	Apr. 08, 2014CNY (¥)
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Guaranty Liabilities	$ 3,082,000	¥ 20,000,000
Building Pledged As Collateral For Loans			$ 7,600,000
Renewable Bankers Acceptance Notes			$ 5,408,910	¥ 35,100,000

Stockholders' equity (Details T

Stockholders' equity (Details Textual)	1 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2015CNY (¥)	Jul. 31, 2015shares	Jun. 30, 2015shares	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Nov. 25, 2014shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)shares	Apr. 30, 2015shares
Minimum Registered Capital Before Conversion							25.00%
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital And Surplus Percentage							50.00%
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus Required | $							$ 1,023,598	$ 1,375,990
Description Of Required Statutory Surplus Reserve							Appropriations to the statutory surplus reserve are required to be at least 10% of the after-tax net income determined in accordance with PRC GAAP until the reserve is equal to 50% of the entitys registered capital. Appropriations to the discretionary surplus reserve are made at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split						1,000-for-1
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares						30,000,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock | $							$ 5,663,122	$ 0
Common Stock, Shares Authorized							50,000,000	50,000,000
IPO [Member]
Proceeds From Issuance of Common Stock Gross | $					$ 6,400,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues					1,600,000
Shares Issued, Price Per Share | $ / shares					$ 4
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock | $					$ 5,700,000
Form S-8 [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services				1,200,000
Share Incentive Plan 2015 [Member] | Form S-8 [Member]
Common Stock, Shares Authorized									1,200,000
Strategic Planning And Compliance Operations Services [Member] | Share Incentive Plan 2015 [Member] | Form S-8 [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Contract Termination	$ 176,660	¥ 1,100,000
IT infrastructure initiatives [Member] | Share Incentive Plan 2015 [Member] | Form S-8 [Member]
Common Stock, Shares Authorized			400,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services			400,000
Gain (Loss) on Contract Termination	$ 32,120	¥ 200,000

Taxes (Details)

Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
VAT tax payable	$ 0	$ 568,515
Corporation income tax payable	687,745	1,543,294
Other tax payable	116,525	160,297
Total	$ 804,270	$ 2,272,106

Taxes (Details 1)

Taxes (Details 1)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statutory PRC income tax rate		25.00%	25.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Favorable Tax Rate Impact	[1]	(12.00%)	(10.00%)
Permanent difference		5.00%	1.00%
Changes of deferred tax assets allowances		3.00%	0.00%
Total		21.00%	16.00%
[1]	Two of the Company's subsidiaries, Tantech Bamboo and Tantech Energy are subject to tax rate of 15%.

Taxes (Details 2)

Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current	$ 2,377,715	$ 2,524,901
Deferred	0	329,588
Total	$ 2,377,715	$ 2,854,489

Taxes (Details 3)

Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Allowance for doubtful accounts and other reserves	$ 324,053	$ 140,226
Accumulated depreciation	72,834	26,109
Valuation allowance	(396,887)	0
Total	$ 0	$ 166,335

Taxes (Details Textual)

Taxes (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	25.00%	25.00%
Tantech Bamboo [Member]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	15.00%
Tantech Energy [Member]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	15.00%
Tantech Charcoal [Member]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	25.00%
Tantech Babiku [Member]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	25.00%

Major customers and suppliers (

Major customers and suppliers (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	68.00%	70.00%
Major Customer One [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	17.00%	16.00%
Major Customer One [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	19.00%	12.00%
Major Customer One [Member] | Cost of Goods, Total [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	30.00%	37.00%
Major customer Two [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	12.00%	10.00%
Major customer Two [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	11.00%
Major customer Two [Member] | Cost of Goods, Total [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	18.00%	25.00%
Major customer Three [Member] | Cost of Goods, Total [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	13.00%	11.00%

Segment information (Details)

Segment information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 58,829,900	$ 65,493,106
Cost of revenue	41,947,684	44,852,994
Gross profit	16,882,216	20,640,112
Interest Expenses	411,805	534,230
Depreciation & amortization	1,441,180	1,506,943
Segment profit	8,926,753	14,716,884
Segment assets	87,074,992	78,708,594
Consumer product [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Cost of revenue	28,618,875	34,824,870
Gross profit	14,616,190	18,226,938
Interest Expenses	324,643	295,204
Depreciation & amortization	478,400	508,607
Segment profit	10,235,984	13,759,901
Segment assets	72,302,734	64,878,256
Trading [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Cost of revenue	3,463,818	2,936,503
Gross profit	115,653	62,960
Interest Expenses	85,828	150,685
Depreciation & amortization	72,715	79,293
Segment profit	(734,126)	178,931
Segment assets	2,071,215	6,760,386
Biofuel Energy [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Cost of revenue	9,864,991	7,091,621
Gross profit	2,150,373	2,350,214
Interest Expenses	1,622	88,341
Depreciation & amortization	890,065	919,043
Segment profit	256,704	778,830
Segment assets	7,738,850	7,069,952
External customers [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	58,829,900	65,493,106
External customers [Member] | Consumer product [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	43,235,065	53,051,808
External customers [Member] | Trading [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	3,579,471	2,999,463
External customers [Member] | Biofuel Energy [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	12,015,364	9,441,835
Intersegment [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	1,302,766	1,833,282
Intersegment [Member] | Consumer product [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	736,527	1,073,530
Intersegment [Member] | Trading [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	11,988	0
Intersegment [Member] | Biofuel Energy [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 554,251	$ 759,752

Segment information (Details 1)

Segment information (Details 1) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 58,829,900	$ 65,493,106
Cleaning [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	2,333,883	2,277,143
Purification & Deodorization [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	32,548,426	37,475,537
Barbecue Charcoal - domestic [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	8,352,756	13,299,128
Trading [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	3,579,471	2,999,463
EDLC Carbon [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	11,387,102	8,630,296
Barbecue Charcoal - international [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 628,262	$ 811,539

Segment information (Details 2)

Segment information (Details 2) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 58,829,900	$ 65,493,106
China [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	58,129,408	64,217,607
Foreign Countries [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 700,492	$ 1,275,499

Subsequent events (Details Text

Subsequent events (Details Textual) - USD ($)	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding		21,600,000	20,000,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues		$ 5,663,122
Common Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues		1,600,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues		$ 1,600
Subsequent Event [Member] | Securities Purchase Agreement [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	23,293,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Securities Purchase Agreement [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	1,693,000
Sale of Stock, Price Per Share	$ 4.70
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	$ 7,957,100