This invention provides a composition for sterilization comprising povidone iodine in which by improving the persistence and stability of foam, the composition for sterilization is capable of preventing dripping in use as well as of achieving reliable disinfection and sterilization. The composition for sterilization in this invention is capable of forming stable and persistent foam as well as of achieving effective disinfection and sterilization by blending a specific amount of a sulfate type surfactant therein.