When I did my GE interview, I was told to keep a blue customs form handy in case I got an X.

The first time I got an X (because my declaration of imported goods exceeded the allowance) in ORD, I went to the passport control booth next to me, presented by blue form (signed and ready because I knew I'd get an X), proceeded to the cashier at customs, who then waived the extra duty, and collected both my blue form and GE X receipt.

The second time was in April of 2011. I arrived at IAD, and again got the X for the same reason. At the passport control booth, the CBP officer asked why I filled out the blue form. The secondary inspector at customs asked the same question as she was calculating my duty, and after she disposed of ym blue form, asked me how much I was declaring: "I don't recall the exact sum madam, it was on the form you just threw away."

So it appears that the procedure has changed.

Oddly, at both ORD and IAD, the GE kiosks now have blank blue forms, which adds to my confusion.

So damned if you, damned if you don't.

Seems like the best way to go.