Brazilian Ministry of Justice urged Apple to explain why its iTunes service charges Brazilian customers in US dollars instead of local currency, local media reported on Wednesday.

The Consumer Protection Secretariat of the ministry officially notified Apple earlier in the day and the company was given 10 days to respond, according to the G1 news website.

Product prices must be quoted in the local currency - the real, since charging in a foreign currency is illegal in Brazil.

The Secretariat also asked Apple to provide information on whether its service complies with the local consumer protection regulations for online stores which was updated in May.

If Apple fails to respond within the alloted time, it may have to pay a fine of up to 6 million reals ($2.6 million), according to G1.

Customers have been required to pay in dollars only with international credit cards after iTunes store became available in Brazil in 2011. The company's online App Store for iPhone and iPad users also charges local consumers in dollars, said the website.