[Aim] Neopinnaspis harperi Mckenzie is a scale insect in the family of Diaspididae. The insect feeds on various fruits, nursery stocks and flowers. N. harperi is mainly distributed in America, Japan and the island of Taiwan, China, while has never been detected in mainland China. N. harperi was intercepted for the first time in May 2016 at Shanxi port, on fruits of cherimoya, Annona squamosa originating from Taipei.[Method] We identified the species by observing and checking the micro-morphological characteristics.[Result] A risk assessment indicates that N. harperi consitutes a high risk of invasion for Chinese subtropical areas.[Conclusion] Once established, N. harperi can easily spread, due to the presence of several host plant species. The phytosanitary control of imported host plants should be strengthened.