6-K

UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONWashington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TORULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of June 2022

Commission File Number: 001-36885

TANTECH HOLDINGS LTD

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

c/oZhejiang Forest Bamboo Technology Co., Ltd.

No.10 Cen Shan Road, Shuige Industrial Zone

LishuiCity, Zhejiang Province 323000

+86-578-226-2305

(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):   ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):   ¨

Explanatory Note:

On May 19, 2022, the Registrant formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, EPakia Inc. (“EPakia”), under the laws of the State of Delaware. Based in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, EPakia will be primarily focused on developing biodegradable packaging business in the United States and the international markets.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.