IT TECH PACKAGING, INC. 10-K

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e)) under the Exchange Act) that is designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, the Company carried out an evaluation with the participation of the Company’s management, including Zhenyong Liu, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), and Jing Hao, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2023. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s CEO and CFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. In making this assessment, management used the framework set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management has determined that, as of December 31, 2023, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective. This annual report does not include an attestation report of its registered independent public accounting firm regarding the Company’s internal control over financial reporting because the Company is not required to include such attestation report in this annual report. Changes in internal controls Our management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, performed an evaluation as to whether any change in our internal controls over financial reporting occurred during the year ended December 31, 2023. Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that no change occurred in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. Item 9B. Other Information None . Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections. Not applicable. 61 PART III Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance Set forth below is certain information regarding our directors and executive officers. Our Board of Directors is comprised of five directors, and is divided into two classes, Class I and Class II. There are no family relationships between any of our directors or executive officers. The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our directors and executive officers: Name Age Position/Title Zhenyong Liu 61 Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board Jing Hao 41 Chief Financial Officer Dahong Zhou 45 Secretary Marco Ku Hon Wai 50 Director Wenbing Christopher Wang 53 Director Fuzeng Liu 75 Director Lusha Niu 45 Director We have two classes of directors with each class elected in a different calendar year from the calendar year in which the other class of directors are elected. All directors are elected for a two-year term. The directors elected in Class I, Marco Ku Hon Wai and Wenbing Christopher Wang, will serve until the annual meeting of stockholders in 2025 and until their respective successors have been elected and have qualified, or until their earlier resignation, removal or death. The directors elected in Class II, Zhenyong Liu, Fuzeng Liu and Lusha Niu will serve until the annual meeting of stockholders in 2024 and until their respective successors have been elected and have qualified, or until their earlier resignation, removal or death. Our officers serve at the discretion of our Board of Directors. Set forth below is biographical information about our current directors and executive officers: Zhenyong Liu . Mr. Zhenyong Liu became a member of the Board of Directors, and was appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors on November 30, 2007. Mr. Liu has also served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer since November 16, 2007, and serves as Chairman of Hebei Baoding Dongfang Paper Milling Company Limited (Dongfang Paper), a position he has held since 1996. From 1990 to 1996, he served as Plant Director of Xinxin Paper Milling Factory in Xushui District. Mr. Liu served as General Manager of the East Central Household Appliance Purchases and Supply Station from 1980 to 1989. Jing Hao . Ms. Jing Hao was appointed as our Chief Financial Officer on November 3, 2014. Ms. Hao previously served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer between November 2007 and April 2009. In addition, Ms. Hao has served as Chief Financial Officer of Hebei Baoding Dongfang Paper Milling Company Limited (Dongfang Paper) since 2006. Prior to that, she was Manager of Finance for Dongfang Paper from 2005 to 2006. Dahong Zhou . Ms. Dahong Zhou was appointed as our Secretary on November 16, 2007. Ms. Zhou also serves as Executive Manager of Hebei Baoding Dongfang Paper Milling Company Limited (Dongfang Paper), a position she has held since 2006. Marco Ku Hon Wai. Mr. Marco Ku Hon Wai has served on the Board of Directors since November 3, 2014. Mr. Ku is the founder of Sensible Investment Company Limited, an investment consulting firm based in Hong Kong founded in 2013. He was previously Chief Financial Officer of China Marine Food Group Limited (OTC: CMFO) from July 2007 to October 2013. Prior to his position at China Marine Food Group Limited, Mr. Ku co-founded KISS Catering Group, a food and beverage business in Beijing from October 2005 to April 2007. Mr. Ku worked at KPMG LLP from 1996 to 2000, where his last held position was Assistant Manager. Mr. Ku received a bachelor’s degree in finance from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 1996, and is currently a fellow member of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Wenbing Christopher Wang . Mr. Wenbing Christopher Wang has served on the Board of Directors since October 28, 2009. Mr. Wang has also been serving as chief financial officer of Phoenix Motor Inc. (Nasdaq:PEV) since June 2021. Mr. Wang has also been serving as President and Director of FushiCopperweld, Inc. (“Fushi”) since January 21, 2008. Mr. Wang served as Fushi’s Chief Financial Officer from December 13, 2005 to August 31, 2009. Prior to Fushi, Mr. Wang worked for Redwood Capital, Inc., China Century Investment Corporation, Credit Suisse First Boston and VC China in various capacities. Fluent in both English and Chinese, Mr. Wang holds a master’s degree in business administration and finance and corporate accounting from Simon Business School of University of Rochester. Mr. Wang was named one of the top ten CFO’s of 2007 in China by CFO magazine. Fuzeng Liu . Mr. Fuzeng Liu has been a member of the Board of Directors since November 30, 2007. Mr. Liu has also served as Vice President of Dongfang Paper since 2002. Previously, he served as Deputy Secretary of the Traffic Bureau of Xushui District from 1992 to 2002 and as Party Secretary of Dayin Town, Xushui District from 1988 to 1992.Mr. Liu also served as Head of the Cuizhuang Town, Xushui District from 1984 to 1988. From 1977 to 1984, Mr. Liu worked at the committee office of Xushui District. 62 Lusha Niu . Ms. Niu has been a member of the Board of Directors since October 12, 2016. Ms. Niu is a public relations veteran with strong background in international business and finance. Since September 2013, Ms. Niu has been the Director of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Asia Lead of Financial Communication at MSL GROUP, a global public communications firm. From August 2008 until August 2013, Ms. Niu was an Associate Director at APCO Worldwide, a Washington D.C. based global public affairs consulting firm. Ms. Niu also served as a Consulting Analyst with BDA Consulting, advising global institutional investors on their China deal strategy. Ms. Niu holds a Master’s degree in Finance from the University of Colorado. The Board of Directors believes that each of the Company’s directors is highly qualified to serve as a member of the Board. Each of the directors has contributed to the mix of skills, core competencies and qualifications of the Board of Directors. When evaluating candidates for election to the Board, the Nominating Committee seeks candidates with certain qualities that it believes are important, including integrity, an objective perspective, good judgment, and leadership skills. Our directors are highly educated and have diverse backgrounds and talents and extensive track records of success in what we believe are highly relevant positions. Some of our directors have served in our operating entity, Dongfang Paper, for many years and benefit from an intimate knowledge of our operations and corporate philosophy. Committees Our business, property and affairs are managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. Members of the Board of Directors are kept informed of our business through discussion with the chief executive and financial officers and other officers, by reviewing materials provided to them and by participating at meetings of the board and its committees. Our Board of Directors has three committees - the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating Committee. The Audit Committee is comprised of Marco Ku Hon Wai, Wenbing Christopher Wang and Lusha Niu, with Mr. Ku serving as chairman. The Compensation Committee is comprised of Marco Ku Hon Wai, Wenbing Christopher Wang and Lusha Niu, with Ms. Lusha Niu serving as chairwoman. The Nominating Committee is comprised of Marco Ku Hon Wai, Wenbing Christopher Wang and Lusha Niu, with Mr. Wenbing Christopher Wang serving as chairman. Our Audit Committee is involved in discussions with our independent auditor with respect to the scope and results of our year-end audit, our quarterly results of operations, our internal accounting controls and the professional services furnished by the independent auditor. Our Board of Directors has determined that both Mr. Marco Ku Hon Wai and Mr. Wenbing Christopher Wang qualify as audit committee financial experts and have the accounting or financial management expertise as required under NYSE Rule 303A.07(a). Our Board of Directors has also adopted a written charter for the audit committee which the audit committee reviews and reassesses for adequacy on an annual basis. A copy of the audit committee’s current charter is available at the our corporate website at https://www.itpackaging.cn/uploadfile/txyxfh/file/20181029/6367640912345722139375725.pdf The Compensation Committee oversees the compensation of our chief executive officer and our other executive officers and reviews our overall compensation policies for employees generally. If so authorized by the Board of Directors, the committee may also serve as the granting and administrative committee under any option or other equity-based compensation plans which we may adopt. The Compensation Committee does not delegate its authority to fix compensation; however, as to officers who report to the chief executive officer, the compensation committee consults with the chief executive officer, who may make recommendations to the compensation committee. Any recommendations by the chief executive officer are accompanied by an analysis of the basis for the recommendations. The committee will also discuss compensation policies for employees who are not officers with the chief executive officer and other responsible officers. A copy of the compensation committee’s current charter is available at our corporate website at https://www.itpackaging.cn/uploadfile/txyxfh/file/20181029/6367640912355880048874958.pdf The Nominating Committee is involved in evaluating the desirability of and recommending to the board any changes in the size and composition of the board, evaluation of and successor planning for the chief executive officer and other executive officers. The qualifications of any candidate for director will be subject to the same extensive general and specific criteria applicable to director candidates generally. A copy of the nominating committee’s current charter is available at our corporate website at https://www.itpackaging.cn/uploadfile/txyxfh/file/20181029/6367640912356661968874958.pdf Code of Ethics We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller, or persons performing similar functions. The Code of Ethics is currently available at our corporate website at https://www.itpackaging.cn/uploadfile/txyxfh/file/20181029/6367640912363688526617528.pdf Board Meetings The Board of Directors and its committees held the following number of meetings during 2023: Board of Directors 5 Audit Committee 5 Compensation Committee 2 Nominating Committee 1 63 The above table includes meetings held by means of a conference telephone call and actions taken by unanimous written consent. Each director attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and those committees on which he served during the year. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Board of Directors met on at least a quarterly basis. The independent directors had regularly scheduled meetings as often as necessary to fulfill their responsibilities, including at least annually in executive session without the presence of non-independent directors and management as required by Section 802(c) of the NYSE American Company Guide. Directors or Executive Officers involved in Bankruptcy or Criminal Proceedings To our knowledge, during the last ten years, none of our directors and executive officers (including those of our subsidiaries) has: ● had a bankruptcy petition filed by or against any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time; ● been convicted in a criminal proceeding or been subject to a pending criminal proceeding, excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses; ● been subject to any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities; ● been found by a court of competent jurisdiction (in a civil action), the SEC, or the Commodities Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended or vacated; or ● been the subject to, or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reverse, suspended or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization, any registered entity, or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member. Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight Mr. Zhenyong Liu is our chairman and chief executive officer. At the advice of other members of the management or the Board, Mr. Liu calls meetings of the Board of Directors when necessary. We have three independent directors. Our Board of Directors has three standing committees, each of which is comprised solely of independent directors with a committee chair. The Board of Directors believes that the Company’s chief executive officer is best situated to serve as chairman of the Board of Directors because he is the director most familiar with our business and industry and the director most capable of identifying strategic priorities and executing our business strategy. We believe that this leadership structure has served the Company well. Our Board of Directors has overall responsibility for risk oversight. The Board of Directors has delegated responsibility for the oversight of specific risks to the committees as follows: ● The Audit Committee oversees the Company’s risk policies and processes relating to the financial statements and financial reporting processes, as well as key credit risks, liquidity risks, market risks and compliance, and the guidelines, policies and processes for monitoring and mitigating those risks. ● The Compensation Committee oversees the compensation of our chief executive officer and our other executive officers and reviews our overall compensation policies for employees. ● The Nominating Committee oversees risks related to the Company’s governance structure and processes. Our Board of Directors is responsible for approving all related party transactions according to our Code of Ethics. We have not adopted written policies and procedures specifically for related person transactions. Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, requires our executive officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file with the SEC initial statements of beneficial ownership, reports of changes in ownership and annual reports concerning their ownership of our common stock and other equity securities, on Form 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Executive officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by the SEC regulations to furnish our company with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file. Based solely on our review of the copies of such reports received by us, and on written representations by our officers and directors regarding their compliance with the applicable reporting requirements under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, we believe that, with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, all such reports were filed timely. 64 Item 11. Executive Compensation The following compensation table summarizes the cash and non-cash compensation earned during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 by each person who served as principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and secretary during 2023. Name and Principal Position Year Salary Bonus Stock Awards Option Awards Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation Total ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) Zhenyong Liu, 2022 $ 35,519 0 - -   - $ 35,519 Chairman, CEO 2023 $ 34,016 - $ - - - $ 34,016 Jing Hao 2022 $ 35,519 $ - - - $ 35,519 CFO 2023 $ 34,016 - $ - - - $ 34,016 Dahong Zhou, 2022 $ 4,299 - $ - - - $ 4,299 Secretary 2023 $ 4,117 - $ - - - $ 4,117 Employment Agreements Mr. Zhenyong Liu receives a monthly salary of RMB 20,000 (approximately $2,835). On January 11, 2012, the Company awarded Mr. Zhenyong Liu 4,433 shares of restricted common stock. These shares of common stock were issued under the 2011 ISP and are valued at $34.5 per share, based on the closing price on the date of the issuance. On December 31, 2013, the Company awarded Mr. Zhenyong Liu 800 shares of restricted common stock under the 2011 ISP and 2012 ISP, with a value of $26.6 per share, based on the closing price on the date of the stock issuance. On September 13, 2018, the Company issued 10,000 shares of common stock to Mr. Zhenyong Liu under the 2015 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan with a value of $8.8 per share as of the date of issuance. On April 8, 2020, the Company issued 20,000 shares of common stock to Mr. Zhenyong Liu under the 2019 ISP with a value of $6.0 per share as of the date of issuance. On September 8, 2020, the Compensation Committee of the Company unanimously approved that Mr. Zhenyong Liu shall receive the bonus of $40,000 for his service rendered in the year 2020. Ms. Hao began receiving a monthly salary of RMB 20,000 (approximately $2,835) in January 2015. On September 13, 2018, the company issued 1,000 shares of common stock to Ms. Jing Hao under the 2015 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan with a value of $8.8 per share as of the date of issuance. On September 8,2020, the Compensation Committee of the Company unanimously approved that Ms. Jing Hao shall receive the bonus of $40,000 for her service rendered in the year 2020. Compensation of Directors The following table sets forth a summary of compensation paid or entitled to our directors during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022: Name and Principal Position Year Salary Bonus Stock Awards Option Awards Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation Total ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) Fuzeng Liu 2022 $ 7,701 - $ - - - $ 7,701 Director 2023 $ 7,375 - $ - - - $ 7,375 Marco Ku Hon Wai 2022 $ 20,000 - $ - - - $ 20,000 Director 2023 $ 20,000 - $ - - - $ 20,000 Wenbing Christopher Wang 2022 $ 20,000 - $ - - - $ 20,000 Director 2023 $ 20,000 - $ - - - $ 20,000 LushaNiu 2022 $ 7,399 - - - - $ 7,399 Director 2023 $ 7,086 - - - - $ 7,086 65 Effective November 1, 2014, Mr. Marco Ku Hon Wai began serving as our director and has received annual compensation of $20,000, payable on a monthly basis. In addition, the Company agreed to issue Mr. Ku 750 shares of its common stock. On January 12, 2016, the Company issued Mr. Ku 750 shares restricted common stock under the 2015 ISP for his services in 2015, with a value of $13.3 per share, based on the closing price on the date of the issuance. Mr. Ku will be reimbursed for his out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with his service to the Company. Effective October 28, 2009, Mr. Wenbing Christopher Wang has served as our director and has received annual compensation of $20,000, payable on a monthly basis. Mr. Wang also received 400 shares of common stock, a number equal to $20,000 divided by the closing price of the common stock on October 28, 2009, with piggyback registration rights subordinate to that held by investors in any past or future private placement of securities. On January 11, 2012, the Company awarded its independent director Mr. Wenbing Christopher Wang 1,582 shares of restricted common stock. These shares of common stock were issued under the 2011 ISP and are valued at $34.5 per share, based on the closing price on the date of the issuance. On December 31, 2013, the Company awarded Mr. Wang 500 shares restricted common stock under the 2011 ISP and 2012 ISP for, with a value of $26.6 per share, based on the closing price on the date of the stock issuance. On January 12, 2016, the Company issued Mr. Wang 500 shares restricted common stock under the 2015 ISP, with a value of $13.3 per share, based on the closing price on the date of the issuance. On October 12, 2016, Ms. Lusha Niu was elected as our director and receives annual compensation of RMB50,000, payable on a monthly basis. On December 31, 2013, Mr. Fuzeng Liu received 500 shares of restricted common stock from our 2011 and 2012 ISPs. The value of the stock award is determined by the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the award, which was $26.6 as of December 31, 2013. Other than the appointments described above, there are no understandings or arrangements between Mr. Ku, Mr. Wang, or Ms. Niu and any other person pursuant to which Mr. Ku, Mr. Wang, or Ms. Niu was appointed as a director. Mr. Ku, Mr. Wang, and Ms. Niu do not have any family relationship with any director, executive officer or person nominated or chosen by us to become a director or executive officer. Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End There were no option exercises in fiscal year of 2023 or options outstanding as of December 31, 2023. Pension and Retirement Plans Currently, except for contributions to the PRC government-mandated social security retirement endowment fund for those employees who have not waived their coverage, we do not offer any annuity, pension or retirement benefits to be paid to any of our officers, directors or employees. There are also no compensatory plans or arrangements with respect to any individual named above which results or will result from the resignation, retirement or any other termination of employment with our company, or from a change in our control. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock by (i) each director, (ii) our Chief Executive Officer and President and (iii) all executive officers and directors as a group as of the date of this annual report. Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership Amount and Nature of Percentage of Beneficial Common Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1) Ownership Stock Zhenyong Liu CEO and Director 536,484 5.3 % Jing Hao CFO 1,000 * Dahong Zhou Secretary 0 0 Marco Ku Hon Wai Director 750 * Fuzeng Liu Director 500 * Wenbing Christopher Wang Director 2,982 * LushaNiu Director 0 * All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (7 persons) 541,716 5.4 % * Less than 1% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares. (1) The address of each director and executive officer is c/o Science Park, Juli Road, Xushui District, Baoding City, Hebei Province, People’s Republic of China. 66 Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans The following table provides information as of December 31, 2023 about our equity compensation plan and arrangements: Plan category Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options and restricted stock units Weighted- average exercise price of outstanding options, and restricted stock units Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans Equity compensation plans approved by security holders - $ - - Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders - - - Total $ Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence Loans from our principal shareholder, Chairman and CEO Mr. Zhenyong Liu Mr. Zhenyong Liu, the Company’s CEO has loaned money to Dongfang Paper for working capital purposes over a period of time. On January 1, 2013, Dongfang Paper and Mr. Zhenyong Liu renewed the three-year term loan previously entered on January 1, 2010, and extended the maturity date further to December 31, 2015. On December 31, 2015, the Company paid off the loan of $2,249,279, together with interest of $391,374 for the period from 2013 to 2015. Approximately $361,915 and $368,052 of interest were outstanding to Mr. Zhenyong Liu, which were recorded in other payables and accrued liabilities as part of the current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively. On December 10, 2014, Mr. Zhenyong Liu provided a loan to the Company, amounted to $8,742,278 to Dongfang Paper for working capital purpose with an interest rate of 4.35% per annum, which was based on the primary lending rate of People’s Bank of China. The unsecured loan was provided on December 10, 2014, and would be originally due on December 10, 2017. During the year of 2016, the Company repaid $6,012,416 to Mr. Zhenyong Liu, together with interest of $288,596. In February 2018, the company paid off the remaining balance, together with interest of $20,400. As of December 31, 2023, and 2022, approximately $42,357 and $43,075 of interest were outstanding to Mr. Zhenyong Liu, which was recorded in other payables and accrued liabilities as part of the current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. On March 1, 2015, the Company entered an agreement with Mr. Zhenyong Liu which allows Dongfang Paper to borrow from the CEO an amount up to $17,201,342 (RMB120,000,000) for working capital purposes. The advances or funding under the agreement are due three years from the date each amount is funded. The loan is unsecured and carries an annual interest rate set on the basis of the primary lending rate of the People’s Bank of China at the time of the borrowing. On July 13, 2015, an unsecured amount of $4,324,636 was drawn from the facility. On October 14, 2016 an unsecured amount of $2,883,091 was drawn from the facility. In February 2018, the company repaid $1,507,432 to Mr. Zhenyong Liu. The loan would be originally due on July 12, 2018. Mr. Zhenyong Liu agreed to extend the loan for additional 3 years and the remaining balance will be due on July 12, 2021. On November 23, 2018, the company repaid $3,768,579 to Mr. Zhenyong Liu, together with interest of $158,651. In December 2019, the company paid off the remaining balance, together with interest of 94,636. As of December 31, 2023, and 2022, the outstanding loan balance were $nil and $2,185,569, respectively, and the accrued interest was $194,047 and $197,338, respectively, which was recorded in other payables and accrued liabilities as part of the current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, total amount of loans due to Mr. Zhenyong Liu were $nil. The interest expense incurred for such related party loans are $nil for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively. The accrued interest owe to the CEO was approximately $598,319 and $608,465, as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively, which was recorded in other payables and accrued liabilities. On December 8, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement with Mr. Zhenyong Liu, which allows Mr. Zhenyong Liu to borrow from the Company an amount of $6,507,431 (RMB44,089,085). The loan was unsecured and carried a fixed interest rate of 3% per annum. The loan was repaid by Mr. Zhenyong Liu in February 2022. In October 2022 and November 2022, the Company entered into two agreements with Mr. Zhenyong Liu, which allowed Mr. Zhenyong Liu to borrow from the Company an amount of $7,059,455 (RMB50,000,000) in total. The loans were unsecured and carried a fixed interest rate of 4.35% per annum. $4,235,673 (RMB30,000,000) was repaid by Mr. Zhengyong Liu in August 2023 and the remaining balance was repaid in December 2023. Interest income of the loan for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $290,275. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, amount due to shareholder are $727,433, respectively, which represents funds from shareholders to pay for various expenses incurred in the U.S. The amount is due on demand with interest free. Procedures for Approval of Related Party Transactions Our Board of Directors is charged with reviewing and approving all potential related party transaction whether or not such transactions exceed $120,000. We have not adopted other procedures for review, or standards for approval, of such transactions, but instead review them on a case-by-case basis. 67 Director Independence The Company currently has three independent directors, Marco Ku Hon Wai, Wenbing Christopher Wang, and Lusha Niu, as that term is defined under the NYSE American Company Guide. Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services Our independent public accounting firm is GGF CPA LTD. , Level 3, Shop 119 No. 20, Jingang Avenue, Nansha District, Guangzhou, Guangdong , PCAOB Auditor ID 2729 . Audit Fees We incurred approximately $207,000 for professional services rendered by our registered independent public accounting firm, WWC, P.C., for the audit and reviews of the Company’s financial statements for 2023. We incurred approximately $191,000 for professional services rendered by our registered independent public accounting firm, WWC, P.C., for the audit and reviews of the Company’s financial statements for 2022. We incurred approximately $166,000 for professional services rendered by our registered independent public accounting firm, GGF for the audit of the Company’s financial statements for 2023. Audit-Related Fees IT Tech Packaging did not incur any audit-related fees to WWC in 2023. IT Tech Packaging did not incur any audit-related fees to WWC in 2022. Tax Reporting Preparation Fees IT Tech Packaging did not incur any tax reporting preparation fees to WWC in 2023. IT Tech Packaging did not incur any tax reporting preparation fees to WWC in 2022. All Other Fees IT Tech Packaging did not incur any fees from its registered independent public accounting firm for services rendered to IT Tech Packaging, other than the services covered in “Audit Fees” and “Audit-Related Fees” for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. With respect to the Company’s auditing and other non-audit related services rendered by its registered independent public accounting firm for 2023 and 2022, all engagements were entered into pursuant to the audit committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures. Pre–Approval Policy of Services Performed by Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre–approve all audit and non–audit related services, tax services and other services. Preapproval is generally provided for up to one year, and any pre–approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specific budget. The Audit Committee has delegated the pre–approval authority to its chairperson when expedition of services is necessary. The independent registered public accounting firm and management are required to periodically report to the full Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with this pre–approval and the fees for the services performed to date. 68 PART IV Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statements Schedules Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit 2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated October 29, 2007, by and among Carlateral, Inc., CARZ Merger Sub, Inc., Dongfang Zhiye Holding Limited, and the shareholders of Dongfang Zhiye Holding Limited, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 2, 2007. 3.1 Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to the exhibit to our report on form SB-2 filed with the SEC on August 4, 2006 3.2 Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number to our Current Report on form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 28, 2007 3.3 Bylaws, incorporated by reference to the exhibit to our report on form SB-2 filed with the SEC on August 4, 2006 3.4 Articles of Merger, incorporated by reference to the exhibit 3.1 to our report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 1, 2018. 3.5 Certificate of Change, incorporated by reference to the exhibit 3.1 to our report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 7, 2022. 3.6 Amended and Restated Bylaws, incorporated by reference to the exhibit 3.1 to our report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 3, 2021. 4.1 Specimen of Common Stock certificate, incorporated by reference to the exhibit to our report on form SB-2 filed with the SEC on August 4, 2006 4.2 Form of Warrant, incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 3, 2014. 4.3 Description of Securities, incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.3 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 23, 2020. 4.4 Form of Warrant, incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 1, 2020. 4.5 Form of Warrant, incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 4, 2020. 4.6 Form of Warrant, incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 20, 2021. 4.7 Warrant Agency Agreement dated March 1, 2021 by and between the Company and Empire Stock Transfer Inc., incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2021. 4.8 Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant, incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2021. 10.1 Land Lease Agreement, dated January 2, 2002, by and between the Company and Xushui District Dayin Township Wuji Village Committee and Party Branch, incorporated by reference to the exhibit to our amended Annual Report on form 10-K/A filed with the SEC on February 1, 2010 10.2 Land Use Rights Certificate, dated March 10, 2003, incorporated by reference to the exhibit to our amended Annual Report on form 10- K/A filed with the SEC on February 1, 2010 10.3 Exclusive Technical Service and Business Consulting Agreement, dated June 24, 2009, by and between Dongfang Paper and Baoding Shengde, incorporated by reference to the exhibit to our Current Report on form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 30, 2009 10.4 Proxy Agreement, dated June 24, 2009, by and between Dongfang Paper, Baoding Shengde, and the shareholders of Dongfang Paper, incorporated by reference to the exhibit to our Current Report on form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 30, 2009 69 Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit 10.5 Loan Agreement, dated June 24, 2009, by and between Dongfang Paper, Baoding Shengde, and the shareholders of Dongfang Paper, incorporated by reference to the exhibit to our Current Report on form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 30, 2009 10.6 Call Option Agreement, dated June 24, 2009, by and between Dongfang Paper, Baoding Shengde, and the shareholders of Dongfang Paper, incorporated by reference to the exhibit to our Current Report on form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 30, 2009 10.7 Share Pledge Agreement, dated June 24, 2009, by and between Dongfang Paper, Baoding Shengde, and the shareholders of Dongfang Paper, incorporated by reference to the exhibit to our Current Report on form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 30, 2009 10.8 Call Option Agreement Amendment, dated February 10, 2010, by and between Dongfang Paper, Baoding Shengde, and the shareholders of Dongfang Paper, incorporated by reference to the exhibit to our Current Report on form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 11, 2010 10.9 Share Pledge Agreement Amendment, dated February 10, 2010, by and between Dongfang Paper, Baoding Shengde, and the shareholders of Dongfang Paper, incorporated by reference to the exhibit to our Current Report on form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 11, 2010 10.10 Securities Purchase Agreement dated October 7, 2009 between the Company and the Access America Fund, LP, Renaissance US Growth Investment Trust Plc, RENN Global Entrepreneurs Funds, Inc., Premier RENN Entrepreneurial Fund Limited, Pope Investments II, LLC and Steve Mazur (collectively, the “Buyers”), incorporated by reference to the exhibit to our Current Report on form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 8, 2009 10.11 Make Good Securities Escrow Agreement dated October 7, 2009 between the Company, the Buyers, Zhenyong Liu and the Sichenzia Ross Friedman Ference LLP (the “Escrow Agent”)., incorporated by reference to the exhibit to our Current Report on form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 8, 2009 10.12 Escrow Agreement dated October 7, 2009 between the Company, the Buyers, Zhenyong Liu and the Escrow Agent, incorporated by reference to the exhibit to our Current Report on form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 8, 2009 10.13 Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and the Buyers dated October 7, 2009, incorporated by reference to the exhibit to our Current Report on form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 8, 2009 10.14 Lock-Up Agreement between Company and Zhenyong Liu dated October 7, 2009, incorporated by reference to the exhibit to our Current Report on form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 8, 2009 10.15 Asset Purchase Agreement, dated November 25, 2009, by and between Baoding Shengde Paper Co., Ltd. and Hebei Shuangxing Paper Co., Ltd., incorporated by reference to the exhibit to our Current Report on form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 10, 2009 70 Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit 10.16 Purchase Agreement, dated March 31, 2010, for the sale of 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock, by and between IT Tech Packaging, Inc. and Roth Capital Partners, LLC, incorporated by reference to the exhibit to Current Report on form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2010 10.17 Purchase Agreement, dated April 9, 2010 by and between Henan Qinyang First Paper Machine Limited and Hebei Baoding Dongfang PaperMilling Company Limited for the purchase of a series of paper machineries and equipment, incorporated by reference to the exhibit to our Current Report on form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 12, 2010 10.18 Letter from Mr. Zhenyong Liu regarding postponement of interest payments by IT Tech Packaging, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 25, 2014. 10.19 Financing Limit Agreement dated as March 3, 2014 between Hebei Baoding Dongfang Paper Milling Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Inc., Baoding Branch, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 25,2014. 10.20 Enterprise Loan Agreement dated as of July 5, 2013 between Hebei Baoding Dongfang Paper Milling Co., Ltd. and Rural Credit Union of Xushui District, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to our Annual Report on Form10-K filed on March 25, 2014. 10.21 Engagement Letter, dated as of June 3, 2014, between the Company and H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC and amendments dated as of July 1,2014, August 19, 2014 and August 25, 2014, incorporated by reference to exhibits 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 to our Current Report on Form 8- K filed with the SEC on September 3, 2014. 10.22 Securities Purchase Agreement, dated August 25, 2014, incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 3, 2014. 10.23 Appointment Letter dated November 3, 2014, by and between IT Tech Packaging, Inc. and Marco Ku Hon Wai, incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 6, 2014. 10.24 Loan Agreement dated December 2, 2014, by and between IT Tech Packaging, Inc. and Zhenyong Liu, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 25, 2014. 10.25 Loan Agreement dated March 1, 2015, by and between IT Tech Packaging, Inc. and Zhenyong Liu, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 25, 2015. 10.26 Agreement dated July 1, 2015, among China Orient, Hebei Baoding Dongfang Paper Milling Company Limited, Baoding Shengde Paper Co.,Ltd., Zhenyong Liu, Xiaodong Liu, and Shuangxi Zhao, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 22, 2015 10.27 Acquisition Agreement dated June 25, 2019, by and between Hebei Baoding Dongfang Paper Milling Company Limited and HebeiTengsheng Paper Co., Ltd, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 28, 2019. 71 Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit 10.28 Supplement Agreement dated December 16, 2019, by and between Hebei Baoding Dongfang Paper Milling Company Limited and Hebei Tengsheng Paper Co., Ltd, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 17, 2019 10.29 Letter Agreement dated April 21, 2020, by and between the Company and Maxim Group LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 1, 2020. 10.30 Securities Purchase Agreement dated April 29, 2020 by and between the Company and certain purchasers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 1, 2020. 10.31 Amendment to Securities Purchase Agreement dated May 4, 2020, by and between the Company and certain purchasers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 4, 2020. 10.32 Letter Agreement dated January 14, 2021, by and between the Company and Maxim Group, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 20, 2021. 10.33 Form of Securities Purchase Agreement among the Company and certain institutional investors, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 20, 2021. 10.34 Underwriting Agreement dated as of February 24, 2021 by and between the Company and Maxim Group LLC, incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 1.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2021. 14.1 Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 14.1 to our Annual Report on Form10-K filed with the SEC on March 18, 2013 21.1* Lists of Subsidiaries 23.1* Consent of WWC, P.C. Certified Accountants. 23.2* Consent of GGF CPA LIMITED. 31.1* Certification Required Under Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 31.2* Certification Required Under Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32.1* Certification Required Under Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32.2* Certification Required Under Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 97.1* Clawback Policy 101.INS Inline XBRL Instance Document 101.SCH Inline XBRL Schema Document 101.CAL Inline XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document 101.DEF Inline XBRL Definition Linkbase Document 101.LAB Inline XBRL Label Linkbase Document 101.PRE Inline XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document 104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) * Filed herewith. Item 16 Form 10-K Summary. Not applicable. 72 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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. Date: March 27, 2024 IT TECH PACKAGING, INC. By: /s/ Zhenyong Liu Zhenyong Liu Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Name Title Date /s/ Zhenyong Liu Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board March 27, 2024 Zhenyong Liu (principal executive officer) /s/ Jing Hao Chief Financial Officer March 27, 2024 Jing Hao (principal financial and accounting officer) /s/ Fuzeng Liu Director March 27, 2024 Fuzeng Liu /s/ Marco Ku Hon Wai Director March 27, 2024 Marco Ku Hon Wai /s/ Wenbing Christopher Wang Director March 27, 2024 Wenbing Christopher Wang /s/ LushaNiu Director March 27, 2024 LushaNiu 73